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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) – The City of Jamestown’s remaining ARPA funds are quickly dwindling, with local leaders now prioritizing what gets funded next.
Of the original $28 million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funds the City of Jamestown received in early 2021, only a few million dollars remains. Now, lawmakers are mapping out where these funds will go next.
“The grand total allocated, $25,306,148.24 dollars.” explained Finance Chair Kim Eckland. “The award is $28,079,145 dollars, leaves us with a balance of $2.772,996.76 million dollars.”
According to those in the City’s Department of Development, projects made possible from ARPA funds have created and saved several jobs.
“We are currently around the $300,000 dollar range of funds disbursed to business owners,” stated Department of Development Grants Manager, Tim O’Dell. “And so far we have had 21 distinct, unique businesses that have been funded, 10 buildings have been revitalized, 10 roofing projects, 119 jobs will be expected to be created, 20 new products and services, and 341 jobs saved.”
While the city does have almost $3 million dollars left over, the wish list far exceeds that amount.
“The wish list that is still out there is impossible to meet, because that totals (in difference) $1.46 million dollars,“ explained Eckland. “Wish list expenses by either department heads, the mayor, whatever the case may be. So, in light of that, we have some serious things to consider going forward, but basically we’re left with $2.77 million dollars.”
The next step for lawmakers is to prioritize what to fund with the remaining ARPA dollars.
An example of some items currently being considered is purchasing a new ambulance and installing splash pads at various city parks.
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