Governor McKee, R.I. officials announce first round of ARPA fund spending
This is just 10% of the total funds Rhode Island has been given.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – On Monday, Governor Dan McKee and other top state officials detailed how Rhode Island will spend part of its money from the American Rescue Plan Act.
In March, Rhode Island received $1.1 billion dollars after President Joe Biden signed the plan into law. The plan announced on Monday is just 10% of what Rhode Island was given, totaling around $113 million.
State lawmakers outlined this first plan of funding on the following:
- $38.5 million to support social supports
- $32 million to assist small businesses
- $29.5 million to affordable housing
- $13 million for tourism, hospitality, and event industries
Governor McKee says these are just some of the top priorities officials outlined.
Officials also announced $6 million towards growing child care needs and $3.64 million to support Early Intervention- in supporting health outcomes for children.
When asked by reporters why it took the Ocean State so long to outline a plan for the funds, House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi said it didn’t.
The house finances committee will vote on this plan next week. The other 90% of the funding will be discussed next year.
This is a developing story, check back for details.
