IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION implementing an allocation methodology for the distribution of approximately $70.4 million in remaining Jackson County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds by the end of 2024.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21811, November 18, 2024
INTRODUCED BY Jalen Anderson, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, enacted by the U.S. Congress, provided financial support to local governments responding to the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; and,
WHEREAS, Jackson County received a total allocation of $136,551,645.00 in ARPA funds, with approximately $70,400,000 remaining for distribution; and,
WHEREAS, ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and fully expended by December 31, 2026, with strict adherence to federal requirements for eligibility; and,
WHEREAS, these remaining ARPA funds will support essential County Infrastructure projects and targeted Community Investments to benefit the residents of Jackson County; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Jackson County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the remaining $70,400,000 in ARPA funds be allocated as follows:
County Infrastructure Investments: $38.5 million
1. Downtown Courthouse:
• Front Steps ADA, Safety, and Security Improvements - $6.2 million
Provides essential upgrades to ensure ADA compliance and enhance safety and security for courthouse visitors;
• Jury Room Relocation - $5.8 million
Modernizes and repositions the jury room to improve functionality, space efficiency, and accessibility;
• Ground Floor Safety and Operational Improvements - $3 million
Addresses safety and operational enhancements on the courthouse ground floor to improve the experience for both staff and the public;
• Generator Replacement and Relocation - $2.5 million
Replaces and relocates the courthouse’s backup generator to ensure continuous, reliable power for critical operations;
2. University Health:
• Lakewood Demolition and Stabilization - $3.4 million
Demolishes unsafe structures and stabilizes the area to improve health facilities and overall public safety;
3. 1300 Washington Renovation and Flex Space - $17.6 million
Renovates 1300 Washington to provide accessible workspace, free parking, and enhanced efficiency and convenience for county services, while accommodating future needs;
Community Investments: $31.9 million
1. Senior Home Repair Program - $1 million
Provides funding for home repairs for seniors, allowing them to age safely in place and improving residential conditions;
2. Utility Assistance Program - $2.5 million
Assists residents with utility costs to maintain stable access to heating, electricity, and water;
3. Food Insecurity Program - $3 million
Funds initiatives to combat food insecurity, including food banks, meal delivery services, and community gardens;
4. Community Non-Profit and Governmental Facility Improvements - $5 million
Enhances facilities of community-based non-profits and governmental entities to increase their capacity to serve residents;
5. Affordable Housing Initiatives - $5 million
Invests in the expansion of affordable housing options to meet critical community needs for safe, stable housing;
6. County Parks and Unincorporated Park Properties - $6.4 million
Supports improvements to parks in Jackson County and unincorporated areas, including specific enhancements to parks in Blue Summit, Tarsney Lake, and additional identified sites;
7. Public Health Department - $5 million
Expands Health Department resources to ensure continued access to responsive public health services;
8. Behavioral Health Programming - $3 million
Provides expanded mental health services to meet community needs, including support for local mental health resources and initiatives;
9. Broadband Access - $1 million
Improves broadband infrastructure, addressing the digital divide in underserved communities;
Total Allocation: $70.4 million
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any unallocated or unspent funds as of the federal deadline shall be redirected to eligible expenses in accordance with ARPA guidelines, such as public health compensation, essential worker pay, or other allowable uses; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Executive is authorized and directed to take all actions necessary to allocate these funds in compliance with federal requirements, ensuring full use of available funds and preventing the return of any unspent allocations to the federal government.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21811 of November 18, 2024, was duly passed on ______________________, 2024 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______________ Nays ______________
Abstaining _________ Absent ____________
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature