American Rescue Plan Funds Continue to Help Those in Need

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS CONTINUE TO HELP THOSE IN NEED

The New Albany Redevelopment Commission will be discussing additional plans for American Rescue Plan Funds at today’s afternoon meeting.

At today’s meeting, the commission will discuss funding $50,000 to two additional non-profits that serve New Albany residents: Blessings in a Backpack and St. Elizabeth’s. Blessings in a Backpack provides thousands of meals to local school-age children each year, providing meals for times when children may not have other assistance, like weekends and school breaks. St Elizabeth’s is a local charity that helps women, children, and families achieve self-sufficiency, empowerment, and independence. 

The Commission will also discuss funding for the City of New Albany’s Emergency Repair Program. This program allows income-qualified homeowners within the City of New Albany to apply for home repair assistance to make “emergency” repairs to urgent conditions that threaten the health and safety of the occupants.

At the last NARC meeting, members opened bids for three projects along the New Albany Shoreline and Ohio River Greenway that will help improve connectivity to local neighborhoods, create healthy recreation trails, and add Blueway access for fishing and kayaking along Silver Creek. The Commission is expected to discuss these items at their meeting and possibly accept bids for these projects. Learn more about these projects here: https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/2021/12/14/new-albany-shoreline-expands-new-trails-and-water-recreation-options-on-horizon

“The utilization of American Rescue Plan Funds will move into high gear in New Albany, as the Redevelopment Commission prepares to improve connectivity to our waterfronts, neighborhoods, and nature,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “These new additions and improvements will move the city forward in many ways, and they will especially bring more opportunities to improve mental and physical health for the residents of our river city and beyond.”

HISTORY OF ARP FUNDING IN NEW ALBANY

Local Nonprofits Served: 12 local nonprofits have been assisted so far, ranging from assistance with Food and Household Insecurity, Homelessness, Drug and Alcohol Addiction Services, Tourism and Hospitality, Healthy Childhood Environments, Services for Youth or Families involved in Child Welfare System, Early Childhood Learning Programs, Mentoring Services for Youth, Assistance for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, among others.

Local Small Businesses Helped: 43 Small Businesses within the City of New Albany have been assisted by American Rescue Plan Funding so far, helping them keep their doors open, retain employees, and continue serving the people of New Albany. The city of New Albany recently launched an additional round of Small Business Grants, and local small businesses can apply for funding through this link: https://newalbanycityhall.com/smallbusinesshelp

Healthcare Services: The City of New Albany has provided ARP Funding towards a Lifespring affordable care clinic that provides non-emergent health care such as physicals, mental health care, and substance abuse resources. Funding was also awarded to a pediatric care center that will take over the former Schad and Schad building in downtown New Albany.