June 29, 2022
Input Wanted! Help Shape Lake County's Investments Towards the Future
Lake County is seeking resident input on community needs for analysis and consideration on how to best utilize a portion of our American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The funding must be used per U.S. Treasury guidance. The funds were received to support the County in our response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lake County has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve lives, meet community needs, and make our county more resilient to future challenges through the wise use of the more than $135 million in ARPA federal funding.
ARPA allocations must be within the following funding categories: public health, household assistance, economy and business, and infrastructure and facilities.
Provide your suggestions by participating in an online survey. Individuals can access the survey in English and Spanish.
Lake County also will be holding several events, both in-person and virtually, to give residents an opportunity to learn more, share information, and provide their input. Resident feedback will help Lake County to better understand community needs to aid in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- July 11 at Greenbelt Forest Preserve, 5-7 p.m.
- July 19 virtually via Zoom, 5-7 p.m.
- Aug. 10 at Round Lake Beach Civic Center, 5-7 p.m.
More information about the events will be forthcoming in the coming days.
“As Lake County analyzes how to continue to allocate the ARPA funding most effectively, it is critical that we hear from our residents who continue to deal with the challenges brought on by COVID-19,” Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said. “The feedback we receive will be taken into consideration and allow us to best determine and plan for long-term growth, so Lake County is stronger and more resilient.”
A Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Investments is tasked with assessing and prioritizing potential projects and programs. The money must be allocated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of the 2026.
According to Paul Frank, Chair of the Lake County Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Investments, “To date, our committee has worked hard to commit ARPA funding for projects and initiatives of immediate need. This includes funds allocated for rental assistance, job training, gun violence prevention, streamlining the voting process, affordable housing, improved water quality, design and construction of a state-of-the-art 911 Communications and Emergency Operations Center, and much more. We are striving to ensure our plan is valued, fair, equitable and in compliance with federal guidelines regarding the use of these funds."
How can we best provide the greatest impact and benefit to move Lake County forward, make our residents healthier and assist those most impacted by COVID-19? We want to hear the public's suggestions. Complete the survey today and learn more about the American Rescue Plan Act at lakecountyil.gov/ARPA.
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