Press Releases

In reaction to the U.S Department of Treasury’s announcement that Maine will receive $1,499,358,952 in state and local funding from the American Rescue Plan, Congresswoman Pingree today released the following statement:

“Maine’s state, local, and tribal governments have stepped up to keep their communities safe during the coronavirus pandemic, making tough decisions to protect the health of their residents while facing revenue shortfalls. The American Rescue Plan bolsters strained local budgets and makes sure we avoid harmful cuts to essential services. This generous funding will touch every corner of our state, ensuring that all our cities and towns have the support needed to stop the virus and get on a strong path towards recovery. The American Rescue Plan is one of the most important pieces of legislation I’ve ever voted for because it will address both our short- and long-term needs—with $1.5 billion invested in Maine communities, we’ll be on a secure path towards recovery and a stable local economy.” 

These funds come from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan, which Pingree voted for. Details of the funding are as follows:

• State of Maine: $997,495,130.10
• Counties: $261,097,422
  • Androscoggin County $21,031,538.00 
  • Aroostook County $13,024,648.00 
  • Cumberland County $57,300,874.00 
  • Franklin County $5,865,802.00 
  • Hancock County $10,680,580.00 
  • Kennebec County $23,755,730.00 
  • Knox County $7,725,245.00 
  • Lincoln County $6,727,248.00 
  • Oxford County $11,260,964.00 
  • Penobscot County $29,552,965.00 
  • Piscataquis County $3,260,289.00 
  • Sagadahoc County $6,964,608.00 
  • Somerset County $9,805,925.00 
  • Waldo County $7,714,173.00 
  • Washington County $6,095,003.00 
  • York County $40,331,830.00
• Metropolitan Cities: $121,542,636
  • Auburn: $13,545,799
  • Bangor: 20,478,297
  • Biddeford: 9,759,098
  • Lewiston: $20,970,428
  • Portland: $46,290,652
  • South Portland: $10,498,362
• Smaller cities and towns: $119,223,764

According to Treasury’s Interim Final Rule published today, funding can be used to: 

• Support public health expenditures, by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff; 
• Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector; 
• Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic; 
• Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have borne and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors; and, 
• Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet. 

States, cities, counties, Tribes, and territories can now request their funds from Treasury through the Treasury Submission Portal.

Pingree voted for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) in March. The legislation makes investments that will create jobs, distribute the vaccine, provide direct relief to families, and help schools safely reopen. She was a vocal advocate of increased funding for state and local governments during the coronavirus pandemic. 

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