Montgomery County is asking residents, grassroots organizations, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and for-profit groups to submit projects or ideas for American Rescue Plan Act funds, writes Emily Rizzo for WHYY.

Those interested in applying for funding can do so through the county’s online application portal from February 28 to April 30. The county’s Recovery Office has $161 million in American Rescue Plan funds to disburse and intends to use the money according to U.S. Department of Treasury guidelines.

The funding has been created to respond to the pandemic-led negative economic impacts and provide essential workers with premium pay, replace lost public revenue, and invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. The money also aims to address health and educational disparities, housing instability, child care access, and more.

Montgomery County will hold three town halls (at 6:30 p.m. on February 22, 23, and 24) that will both be in person and streamed over Zoom to discuss how individuals and organizations can submit their ideas or projects for consideration.

“We want ideas that are fully baked and ones that haven’t been contemplated before,” said Tom Bonner, director of the Recovery Office.

Read more about the call for projects and ideas in Montgomery County for the American Rescue Plan Act in WHYY.