The city is slated to receive $2,142,054.41 in American Rescue Plan Act (APRA) funds. Senior staff members recently held a very interactive and productive discussion on a suitable way to spend the funds while making the most impact in all areas of the community with the available dollars. The following plan was developed:
- Wagner Site Demolition: $500,000
- Downtown Activation: $350,000
- Pickleball Court: $75,000
- Walking Trail at Robert O. New Park: $55,000
- Heritage Park Half Basketball Court: $26,000
- City Park Signage: $24,000
- Parks Master Plan: $75,000
- Vandemark Road to Folkerth Avenue Connecter: $500,000
- Fire Station 1 Roof: $250,000
Two projects were also identified as potential alternatives:
- Gateway Improvement Plan: $25,000
- Ohio Building Feasibility/Use Plan: $25,000
Because staff was able to rearrange identified ARPA projects, General Fund dollars dedicated to some of the projects were then made available for other priorities. Those projects identified for the newly available General Fund dollars include:
- Kroger Parking Lot Access to Folkerth Avenue: $390,000
- Airport Improvements: $54,000
- Monumental Building Windows: $150,000