Sarpy County was tasked with distributing $36 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to provide relief in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This effort began in 2021 with the creation of a Sarpy County Task Force that established priorities, reviewed funding requests and recommended uses for the federal funds. The Sarpy County Board made all final approvals.
“Sarpy County was proud to distribute these federal funds to areas that were negatively impacted by the pandemic and to projects that required a one-time boost,” County Board Vice Chair Angi Burmeister said. “I’m also proud of the rigorous process our Fiscal and Budget team developed to ensure these funds were used appropriately.”
The following is snapshot of some of the efforts that received funding.
Public Safety: $17 Million Committed
Most of these funds were committed to COVID-19 prevention and mental and medical health needs at the Sarpy County Correctional Facility. Funds were also dedicated to the purchase of upgrading the county-wide Outdoor Warning Siren System and upgrading pagers for the Gretna and Springfield volunteer fire departments.
Infrastructure: $14 Million Committed
Infrastructure projects that received ARPA commitments included the regional sanitary sewer system in southern Sarpy County and the 60th Street paving project from Highway 370 to Capehart Road.
Public Health: $1.2 Million Committed
Funds benefited equipment and technology upgrades for the Sarpy/Cass Health Department and mental health initiatives through the Mental Health Board.
Public Welfare: $1.2 Million Committed
ARPA funds were dedicated to Sarpy County Human Services to help residents pay rent and receive other assistance through Lift Up Sarpy County. Funds also went to the Midlands Community Foundation to aid non-profit human services to Sarpy County residents.
Tourism: $700,000 Committed
Funding in this category were dedicated toward repairs and renovations of the Camp Brewster, Krim and Wakonda Houses at Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, plus improvement projects at Werner Park.
Click here for more information about the ARPA process in Sarpy County.