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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Background

On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act or ARRA). It was an unprecedented effort to jump-start the United States economy, create and save millions of jobs, and, over time, address long-neglected challenges to enable the country to thrive in the 21st century.

  • The Recovery Act places great emphasis on accountability and transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars. Among other things, it creates a new group, the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, to provide information to the public, including access to detailed information on grants and contracts made with Recovery Act funds.
  • The Recovery Act includes $4 billion to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for grant funding to enhance State, local, and tribal law enforcement and other criminal and juvenile justice activities that will help to prevent crime and improve the criminal justice system in the United States. The Recovery Act provides much-needed resources to help States and local communities improve law enforcement and criminal justice. It also supports the creation of jobs in these areas.
  • For additional guidance regarding the Recovery Act and the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, refer to the website http://www.Recovery.gov.