Ocean County is preparing to invest an additional $17.8 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into a host of programs that will help residents address food insecurities, provide all-inclusive recreational opportunities for children and aid businesses affected by COVID 19.
In addition, human services programs to assist residents improve job skills, benefit children that have suffered learning loss, raise awareness regarding teen suicide, and a host of other areas are slated to receive ARPA funds.
A public hearing on the proposed funding allocation and ARPA plan amendment has been scheduled for 11 a.m., Aug. 8 in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Avenue, here.
“After a thorough review of how the funds can be used, it was determined these are areas along with assisting our municipalities, that continue to need our response,” said Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Finance. “It’s important residents and organizations have an opportunity to comment on how we anticipate allocating these funds.
“While this is just a portion of the money Ocean County will receive, we want to be transparent of its use,” he said.
Earlier this year, the County allocated more than $25 million of the ARPA funds to address some of the negative impacts left by the COVID 19 pandemic.
“With so many people, including children and teenagers, suffering with negative mental and behavioral health impacts, and others struggling to get back on their feet financially, a large percentage of the funds in the original allocation went toward updating initiatives and expansion of current services to help our residents,” said Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Human Services. “While Ocean County has many social services and human services programs available for our citizens, this adds an additional layer of help to those residents that need it.”
Of the $17.8 million allocation, the County proposes spending $7.5 million on programs that will address food insecurity.
“We want to provide nutritional support and resources to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity,” Crea said. “A lack of nutritious food can have a negative impact on the health of individuals of all ages. We want to lessen the effects of this in order to improve the physical and mental health of so many of our residents.
“We don’t want our households having to choose between putting a nutritious meal on the table and paying medical bills,” she said.
Ocean County is also proposing allocating $3 million to the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation to improve playgrounds in four different County parks to provide all-inclusive recreational opportunities.
“We operate a large regional park system and every park can be used by everyone,” said Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines, Chairwoman of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation.“An all-inclusive playground provides a safe and secure atmosphere for all children including children with disabilities and also for their parents and grandparents.
“It is beneficial for everyone,” she said.
Playgrounds would be updated with new equipment that could be used by children who rely on wheelchairs, need help with mobility or have other disabilities that may hinder them from participating on standard playground equipment.
“This will provide children that have physical and cognitive challenges a place to enjoy recreational outdoor activities, with their friends and families,” Haines said.
The County also plans to provide $500,000 of ARPA funds to provide grants to non-profit organizations allowing them to upgrade recreational areas in communities to serve all children.
Ocean County is expected to provide $1 million in ARPA funding to help small businesses and non-profit organizations that experienced financial hardship during the pandemic. The ARPA funds could be applied toward operating expenditures.
“Our small businesses were negatively impacted by COVID 19,” said Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari. “Many are still trying to bounce back financially. This funding would help.”
ARPA funds will also be allocated for stormwater drainage improvements for Long Beach Township and the rehabilitation of the Manahawkin Lake Dam in Stafford Township.
“These funding allocations are far-reaching. We have made public health and negative economic impacts our priorities for receiving funds,” said Deputy Director of the Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn. “This funding allows us to help our most vulnerable residents, our children and families in needs, it helps us improve the quality of life for many residents and it allows us to help our municipalities and non-profit organizations as they continue to recover from the pandemic.”
A complete list of projects and allocations can be found on the Ocean County website at www.co.ocean.nj.us
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the ARPA plan amendments during the Aug. 16 Board meeting.