TOMS RIVER – Ocean County is preparing to invest an additional $59.3 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into a host of programs that will help residents address housing insecurities and homelessness services, provide additional all-inclusive recreational opportunities for children and assist municipalities by providing funds for needed infrastructure improvements.

A public hearing on the funding allocations has been scheduled for 10 a.m., April 30 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 key areas where we can provide assistance to our residents and towns," said Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Finance. "This represents our third round of appropriating funds from the $117,938,762 provided to the County under the American Rescue Plan Act.

"Much of the money that has gone to social services and human services programs has provided many benefits to Ocean County residents that suffered economically as a result of COVID," he said. "We are continuing to fund these programs with this appropriation and others."

The County already has allocated more than $43 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 allocations went toward updating initiatives and expansion of current services to help our residents," said the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea. "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 $59.3 million allocation, the County proposes spending $12.5 million on programs that will address housing insecurities by providing funds for non-profits that can assist with supportive bridge housing for young adults and establishing transitional sheltering units.

"This funding serves as a potential lifeline for residents that are homeless or facing homelessness," said Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, liaison to the Department of Human Services.

Ocean County is also proposing allocating an additional $3.5 million to the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation to provide more 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."

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.

Ocean County also plans to allocate $25.6 million for county and municipal infrastructure improvements. Of that amount, almost $9 million will be given to 11 municipalities for various drainage improvements and stormwater management projects.

"With an increase in flooding around the County, we want to work with our municipalities to determine the best way to address some of these issues," said Kelly, who is liaison to the Ocean County Engineering Department. "This funding is helping us to get projects that are shovel ready under way."

In addition, the Ocean County Utilities Authority is expected to receive $9.6 million for upgrades to its regional wastewater treatment plants which service all of Ocean County.

"These funding allocations are far-reaching," said Deputy Director of the Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn, also liaison to the Ocean County Department of Finance. "We have made public health, negative economic impacts and infrastructure our priorities for receiving funds.

"This funding allows us to help our most vulnerable residents, our children and families in need," Quinn said. "It also helps us improve the quality of life for many residents and it allows us to help our municipalities and non-profit organizations to address ongoing concerns and issues with federal funds."

A complete list of projects and allocations that make up the third funding round 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 funding during the May 1 Board meeting.