West Orange Will Get $4.6 Million From Latest COVID Relief Bill

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A $1.9 trillion federal coronavirus relief bill has reached the finish line, and it will mean a hefty financial boost for West Orange and other New Jersey municipalities.

Known as the American Rescue Plan, the package contains many provisions aimed at easing the ravages of the pandemic, such as $1,400 stimulus payments for most U.S. taxpayers and an extension of unemployment benefits.

It also has roughly $360 billion in state and local aid, which is intended to help keep essential workers on the job, assist struggling families and small businesses, and make critical investments in the nation's infrastructure.

West Orange will get $4.67 million. The county government in Essex County will get $154.96 million.

There are several ways that counties or municipalities can spend the cash:

• Pay for "COVID-related expenses"
• Cover lost revenues due to the pandemic to maintain critical services and avoid layoffs of essential workers
• Provide assistance to residents and small businesses
• Invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure

The Senate narrowly passed the massive bill Saturday. The House gave final congressional approval to the package on Wednesday. President Joe Biden signed it into law Thursday.

• Read More: See How Much Each NJ Town Will Get From COVID Relief Plan
• Read More: COVID-19 Relief Bill Goes To Biden's Desk: What NJ Needs To Know

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.