The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided an opportunity for communities across the country to recover from the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Decatur County disbursed $5,164,865.85 in ARPA funding according to a document obtained from the Decatur County Auditor’s Office on February 19, 2025.
The funding was used to plan for infrastructure needs, mental health services, low-income medical services, bringing broadband to rural areas in Decatur County, and supporting local not for profits and community resources.
The attached spreadsheet is broken down into several categories- County, Fairgrounds/Park, Fire Departments, Not for Profits, Small Business, READI, Riverboat Match Non-Profits, Community, and Town Infrastructure.
The ARPA Committee consisted of Councilwoman Deanna Burkart, Councilman Kenny Hooten, Councilwoman Melanie Nobbe, and County Commissioner Chuck Emsweller. Following the passing of County Commissioner Chuck Emsweller, Tony Blodgett was selected to fill the District 1 Commissioner seat and filled Chuck’s seat on this committee.
The file that was obtained from the Decatur County Auditor’s office is below-
