Gov. Evers shares update on $4.5 billion pandemic relief and recovery investments

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Aug 16, 2021 10:54 AM CDT

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers shared an updated of investments made in respond to the COVID-19 pandemic toward ensuring the state's continued economic recovery on Monday, Aug. 16.

The Evers Administrations has announced planned allocations of more than $4.5 billion in total from the state's Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) and State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) allocations. They were made available to the state through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Officials say Wisconsin counties and municipalities were directly allocated more than $2.3 billion by the U.S. Treasury. ARPA funds must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024 and expended by Dec. 31, 2026.

“Over the last 18 months, we’ve made critical investments to get help to those who need it, get shots in arms, and put our state and our economy in the best position to recover and bounce back from this pandemic,” Gov. Evers said. “Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is an essential part of putting this pandemic behind us as we work to make key investments that will not only support our state’s continued economic recovery but build the future we want for our state.”

Of the $4.5 billion in federal funds, more than $2 billion has been expended by the state for emergency response efforts, public health measures, and economic support initiatives for Wisconsin residents, businesses, and communities, according to a news release.

Officials say as of June 30, the state has expended or obligated $1.87 billion of CRF funding, allocating the remaining $125.6 million as of July 31. The governor has also allocated all funds from the $2.53 billion of SLFRF funding.

Officials say due to rising COVID-19 cases, the Evers Administrations has allocated $525 million in ARPA funding, as well as holding over $400 million in a reserve fund.

According to officials, the following is a summary of planned allocations of ARPA funding:

$525 million for pandemic response and government operations;
$200 million for eligible infrastructure projects, including broadband;
$650 million for grants to small businesses;
$101 million for tourism sector recovery;
$130 million for workforce initiatives;
$510 million for economic wellbeing and healthy recovery programs; and
$417 million held in reserve for future response needs.