KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The Jackson County Legislature is expected to had out nearly $58 million in ARPA funds to community projects against the recommendations of the County Executive.
Jackson County, Missouri, Legislator Manuel Abarca’s Office says that around 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, the Legislature plans to introduce and pass the appropriation of more than $50 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for community-focused proposals – against the recommendations of County Executive Frank White.
In 2021, Legislators noted that nearly $150 million was directed to the county as part of the American Rescue Plan. After the challenges of the CARES Act, ARPA was meant to allow a “fast-track” to resources to help curb the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Jackson County, leaders said nearly half of the allocated funds never found their way into the community. In fact, in 2022, there was a balance of nearly $90 million still in the treasury with no clear vision of how to use it.
Through multiple open forums, officials indicated that community members advocated for access and support to maintain affordable housing, investments in mental health and community programs, efforts to end gun violence, transportation, support for small businesses and other priorities.
After months of delays, Legislators indicated that an external grant portal was created to allow for an open and transparent process for consideration of where the funds would go. Over $80 million was requested from the $35 million budget.
When negotiations failed with Executive White, leaders said investments in county facilities were prioritized behind the needs of the community.
“During the pandemic, I worked in our local Congressional office and even worked with our current Executive and Chief of Staff to navigate the CARES Act challenges and helped them with compliance, and worked with the Department of Treasury to model new language in the ARPA legislation to ensure these funds had less restrictions to prioritize their swift disbursement,” Legislator Abarca noted. “It’s that experience that guided me as the previous budget chair to build a successful portal focusing on catalytic projects.”
Leaders indicated that Monday’s meeting is needed as funds not appropriated by Dec. 31, more than $70 million is required to be returned to the Federal Treasury.
For more information about ARPA funds and county priorities, click HERE.
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