The American Rescue Plan ActThe County of Ocean, New Jersey - 2024 Recovery Plan Since March of 2020, when the coronavirus 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 decreased with the assistance of vaccines and testing, there are still fiscal, economical and emotional losses experienced as a result of the pandemic.
Ocean County began appropriating funds from the American Rescue Plan Act in 2023 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 for negative economic impact; $60,633 also public health – negative impact –public sector; $31,673,271 for water, sewer and broadband infrastructure; $21,983,171 for revenue replacement and $1,770,000 for administrative costs. All funds were the subject of earlier public hearings.
Ocean County designed its recovery plan to include the targeting of underserved and marginalized groups within its boundaries. Through various programs detailed in this updated report, the County has aimed for the inclusion of adversely affected groups. In the report, Ocean County addresses 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 held a public hearing on the original report on Feb. 7, 2023, at which time comments were accepted from the public on the County’s use of approximately $25.4 million of its first ARPA appropriation of $59 million. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners voted on the report and its recommendations during its Feb. 15 Board Meeting.
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners held another public hearing on Aug. 8,2023 at which time comments were received on the ARPA amendment providing for an additional $17.8 million to be invested in County programs and services as outlined in the County’s ARPA plan. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners approved the amendments during its Aug. 16, 2023 meeting.
A hearing on the third allocation of funds totaling $59,277,041 was held April 30 in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Ave., Toms River.
A public hearing scheduled for 10 a.m., Oct. 15 in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Ave., Toms River, will solicit comments on the fourth ARPA appropriation totaling $15,393,123.40.
The following is the document prepared by Ocean County outlining the use of the ARPA funds. To view specific sections of the document, click on the appropriate heading from the Table of Contents page.
To view the 2023 Ocean County Recovery Plan, click here.
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