Press Releases

Council Statement on the American Rescue Plan Montgomery County to Receive $303.9 Million in Federal Relief Funding

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 16, 2021

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 16, 2021—The Montgomery County Council released the following statement on the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on Thursday. Montgomery County is expecting $303.9 million in federal coronavirus relief funding, with over $203.7 million allocated to Montgomery County Government and the remainder dedicated to local municipalities. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will receive $1.4 billion which will avert service reductions. Maryland will receive support for education totaling $1.756 billion for local school districts and $549 million for colleges and universities.

“The tremendous $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package will have a monumental impact on every resident in Montgomery County and is critical to our long-term recovery.

“The relief package includes much-anticipated $1,400 stimulus checks for individuals, as well as enhancements to unemployment benefits; grants for individuals, schools and businesses; expanded health, nutrition, rental housing assistance and important tax credits for both individuals and families.

“The robust federal funding coming to Montgomery County will go toward expanding and enhancing our public health response to COVID-19 and helping our restaurants, small businesses, nonprofits and working families recover from the economic impact of this pandemic. The funds will also bolster essential services and support critical County infrastructure.

“The American Rescue Plan is one of the largest and most impactful economic rescue packages in U.S. history. This legislation is about getting vaccines into arms, children safely back in the classroom, saving our small businesses, protecting working families and saving lives.

“The Council applauds the House and Senate for passing the American Rescue Plan and thanks Montgomery County’s federal delegation, Sen. Ben Cardin, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Rep. John Sarbanes, Rep. David Trone and Rep. Jamie Raskin, for standing up for our residents and our local government.

“These federal dollars are arriving at a pivotal moment, delivering necessary relief to our residents and businesses and providing funding that will put our County on a road to successful recovery.

“This is the most transformative and impactful relief package that we have seen in our lifetimes. The Council is incredibly grateful to our federal delegation for working with us this past year and understanding our residents’ needs. The funds coming to Montgomery County through the American Rescue Plan put us in a strong position for fiscal recovery and long-term prosperity.”

Release ID: 21-102
Media Contact: Sonya Healy 240-777-7926, Juan Jovel 240-777-7931