Montgomery County Races to Allocate Remaining $2.3 M in Pandemic Relief Funds

With only weeks remaining to distribute $2.35 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Montgomery County commissioners are assessing which essential projects will benefit from the remaining pandemic relief money. During the commissioners’ meeting on Dec. 10, Budget Director Amanda Carter provided an update, emphasizing the need for prompt decisions before the Dec. 31 deadline.

“We are 21 days out from the deadline,” Carter said. “We know there is money available, and we’re working to finalize these projects.”

In 2021, Montgomery County was allocated $117.9 million in ARPA funds to meet pandemic-related needs. Any unused funds must be obligated by December 2024 and spent by the end of 2025.

Carter detailed a number of projects competing for the remaining funds:

• Tamina Infrastructure Project: $1.13 million allocated for cost overruns
• Stormwater Projects: $1.11 million allocated for drainage enhancements
• IT Enhancements: $1.07 million allocated for cybersecurity upgrades
• Mental Health Initiatives: $307,000 allocated for body cameras for mental health deputies

Carter recognized the Tamina infrastructure project as the highest priority because of the ongoing efforts, while also highlighting the significance of IT upgrades for enhancing countywide cybersecurity.

The commissioners asked for final cost estimates for these projects to be delivered at the court session on Dec. 17, where decisions will be made to guarantee that funds are allocated before the year-end deadline.

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