Ohio House Bill 377, bipartisan legislation to release the second $442 million batch of local government funding from the federal American Rescue Plan is headed to the Ohio Senate, following approval by the House.
HB 377 brings the total distribution to local governments to $844 million. The distribution amounts are in accordance with a population-based formula from the ARP Act and guidance issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Locally, the Village of Holland is slated to receive $87,028 and Springfield Township, $1.3 million.
“I am proud to have voted for House Bill 377, which will provide crucial funding to our local governments as we continue to recover from the coronavirus pandemic,” said State Representative Michael Sheehy, who rep resents House District 46, which encompasses Holland, Springfield Township, Maumee, Oregon, Harbor View and Jerusalem Township.
“Many are still feeling the effects of the pandemic, and this money will provide necessary relief to citizens across the 46th district and the State of Ohio. I am looking forward to seeing these dollars in action throughout our communities,” he added.
Village council plans to use some of this second round of funding to allocate bonus pay for essential staff during the pandemic and to specific areas of the budget.
In Springfield Township, the trustees passed a resolution authorizing the funds be used toward the provision of government services necessitated by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
