$161 million in federal Covid aid to be distributed this week

The Legislative Fiscal Committee is set to distribute $161.4 million in federal funds to 11 state agencies this week – money that was allocated to New Hampshire through the American Rescue Plan.

All told, $960 million will be directed to state government, along with $264 million to the ten counties and $194 million to cities and towns.

The largest share, $50 million, is earmarked for the Department of Environmental Services, where it will be applied to improving drinking and wastewater infrastructure. The Information Technology Department will receive $30 million to offset costs incurred in addressing the pandemic and for professional services for installing hardware and software hardware as well as addressing cybersecurity.

The Department of Administrative Services will be allotted $24.8 million to apply to deferred maintenance of state properties. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will receive $22.6 million to undertake infrastructure projects in state parkland recreation areas. Health and Human Services will get $21.1 million to improve mental health services. And there is $6.2 million for the Governor Office on Emergency Relief and Recovery.

The Police Standards and Training Council will receive $1.4 million for ventilation and filtration upgrades and the Department of Justice $1.4 million to investigate and prosecute criminal conduct at the Youth Development Center. Finally, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs will get $659,734 for investment in broadband infrastructure.