Leveraging the onetime influx of federal funding through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, here’s how Iowa communities are giving key priorities a boost to promote long-term growth as the nation shakes off the fiscal toll of COVID-19.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors approved a $25,000 grant agreement with the Friends of Coralville Lake to be used toward a preliminary action plan and feasibility study to explore solutions to increasing sedimentation that eventually could close the lake to recreation.
The Eastern Iowa Airport will be eligible for $28.4 million, which will enable the airport to complete the fourth and final phase of its terminal upgrade project.
Johnson County supervisors voted 3-2 to stick with a “lottery” system in distributing $2 million in federal pandemic funds to low- and moderate-income residents, rather than prioritizing workers -- such as undocumented immigrants -- excluded from the stimulus payments received by most Americans in 2020 and 2021.
Johnson County’s broadband study will be funded by pandemic relief dollars and likely led by Cedar Rapids-based HR Green, pending approval from the board of supervisors. The study will examine the county’s broadband capabilities, needs and deficiencies.
As part of an initial allocation of joint American Rescue Plan funds between Cedar Rapids and Linn County, the city is using $3 million to add housing units and boost programming for food access, youth engagement and immigrant support
The Iowa City Council has directed nearly $1 million in pandemic relief funds to CommUnity Crisis Services so the nonprofit can expand its mobile crisis outreach program. The move comes in response to the increased need for mental health services during the pandemic.
Money to go to those excluded from previous relief payments, ncluding undocumented immigrants
Supervisors on Thursday approved projects with funds allocated in the current 2022 fiscal year, including payments to residents excluded from federal relief efforts.
The program helps people, organizations recover from August 2020 derecho.
Iowa City collaborating on relief spending, affordable housing, child care
“This is a major victory for the State of Iowa and Iowa taxpayers,” Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement.
The Fund Excluded Workers Coalition urged the county to allocate more money to undocumented workers, saying the $2 million isn’t enough and needs to be given directly to the people.
The city will receive around $6 million, plans to apply for Linn County funding as well
More details will come soon at a joint county-city news conference
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