Rehoboth to receive $835,000 in federal COVID funds

Similar to just about every other municipality in America, Rehoboth Beach will be receiving money through the federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act. In an email June 16, Lynne Coan, city spokesperson, said the city will be getting approximately $835,000.

The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law March 11, delivering tens of billions of dollars in aid to cities, counties and towns of all sizes. Lewes announced recently it would be receiving $1.7 million from the program. During a commissioners budget meeting June 11, Henlopen Acres announced it’s slated to receive close to $80,000.

Coan didn’t have an explanation for why Lewes, with an annual budget roughly one-fifth of Rehoboth’s, would be receiving nearly twice as much money. Municipalities will receive varying amounts, and population is one of the factors considered as well, she said.

Coan said there have been limitations placed by the federal government on how the money can be spent, pointing to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s website for more information.

According to that website, recipients may use these funds to support public health expenditures; address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency; replace lost public-sector revenue; provide premium pay for essential workers; and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

Coan said this is the total amount of money the city will receive as part of the federal relief program. Half of that total – roughly $417,000 – will be distributed this year and half next year, she said.

Coan said Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills plans to have a discussion on what the city should do with this money during the commissioner workshop Friday, July 2. Workshops are usually held the first Monday of the month, but the federally mandated observance of the Fourth of July holiday this year on Monday, July 5, necessitated a change. Commissioners decided to have the workshop July 2 instead of Tuesday, July 6.