HELENA, Mont. - The presidentâs signature on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) means an appropriation of $122,774,800,000 will be available to the Department of Educationâs Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund (ESSER III) to be shared amongst the 50 states. According to a press release, Montanaâs portion is estimated at $400,000,000. These dollars have yet to reach Montana but will be available through the end of September 2023 with a possible one-year extension. âOur Montana schools are open for learning,â Superintendent Elsie Arntzen said. âThese federal dollars emphasize healing from the disruption caused by the coronavirus and focus on enhanced learning for summer and after school opportunities. Local control at the district level will dictate the manner these funds will be spent to support the unique needs of students.â