KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners voted to approve $25,127,650 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds during their Board of Commissioners regular meeting on Tuesday, August 16 for the sub-committees of Negative Economic Impact, Provision of Government Services, and Public Health.
The funds were made available from the federal government to communities across the country to assist in recovery efforts from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Board’s intent is to make critical investments in building a stronger community with the ARPA funding to ensure a brighter future for Kalamazoo County,” stated County Administrator & Controller Kevin A. Catlin.
A full report of the awarded applicants may be found HERE. The most significant awards to the sub-committee recipients include:
Under Public Health, recipients were awarded $5,095,650. The largest award was given to I.S.K. to construct an 8,047 square foot Behavioral Health Urgent Care and Access Center at 418 West Kalamazoo Avenue. The center will address the increase in suicide ideation the county is experiencing as well as the increases in opioid overdoses.
Under the Provision of Government Services, recipients were awarded $14,182,000. The ARPA funding will make much needed repairs to the Sunset Lake Dam, fund a multi-employer funded health center for government employees, complete Phase I improvements to the Woollam Preserve and upgrade critical infrastructure in many county departments.
Under Negative Economic Impact, recipients were awarded $5,850,000. The Can-Do Kitchen was awarded $400,000 to grow their microenterprise and entrepreneurship hub.
Milestone Senior Services was awarded $818,858 to upgrade their commercial kitchen and enhance their home safety programming.
The South Michigan Food Bank was awarded $1,486,142 to address the food insecurity demands in the County.
Funding was also allocated for senior affordable housing, small business relief and a community resource navigator to assist people living with disabilities.
