American Rescue Plan Act The County of Ocean, New Jersey – 2023/2024 Recovery Plan
Since March of 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a host of state-mandated restrictions affecting schools, businesses, local governments and residents, the financial impact of COVID 19 continues to reverberate throughout our communities. While the virus spread has decreased with the assistance of vaccines and testing, there continues to be fiscal, economical and emotional losses experienced.
Ocean County is appropriating funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to assist its municipalities, public health agencies, human services and a host of providers to help those most affected by COVID 19.
To date, $102,439,291 of ARPA funds have been distributed including $6,747,828 for public health; $40,204,358 negative economic impact; $60,633 also public health – negative impact –public sector; $31,673,271 water, sewer and broadband infrastructure; $21,983,171revenue replacement and $1,770,000 for administrative costs. All funds were the subject of earlier public hearings.
Ocean County has designed its recovery plan to include the targeting of underserved and marginalized groups within its boundaries. Through various programs, the County has aimed for the inclusion of adversely affected groups. Ocean County is addressing issues affecting non-English speaking persons, senior citizens, the needy and homeless, residents facing eviction, at-risk populations, children and adolescents who may have lost a caregiver due to COVID 19 and mental health issues with an aim toward closing economic gaps and other problems worsened by the pandemic. The plan also includes funding to help with necessary infrastructure projects in many Ocean County towns.
Ocean County has scheduled a fourth public hearing for 10 a.m., Oct. 15 in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Ave., Toms River, to solicit comments on the ARPA amendment providing for an additional $15,393,123.40 to be invested in County programs and services as outlined in the County’s ARPA plan.
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the measure during its Oct.16 board meeting.
The following is a list of programs and projects and the proposed ARPA allocations that will be the subject of the Oct. 15 public hearing.
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