The New Hampshire Fiscal Committee addressed critical funding timelines during their recent meeting on June 20, 2025, ensuring that state projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) remain on track. Commissioner Caswell confirmed that all expenditures must be completed by December 31, 2026, as the state navigates through fiscal year 2027.

A key focus of the discussion was item 163, which aims to maintain spending authority for ongoing projects that still have available funds. This measure is crucial for ensuring that the state can effectively utilize the financial resources allocated under ARPA, despite concerns about delays in project readiness.

Committee members expressed curiosity regarding the repeated appearance of certain projects in annual discussions, questioning whether these delays stem from a lack of viable project proposals or shifting funds between initiatives. Commissioner Caswell reassured members that funds are not being moved from project to project without purpose, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the established deadlines.

As the committee continues to monitor these developments, the emphasis on timely expenditure of ARPA funds highlights the state's commitment to effectively managing federal resources for community benefit. The next steps will involve closely tracking project readiness and ensuring that all allocated funds are utilized efficiently before the approaching deadline.