American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government created the American Rescue Plan to provide direct relief to Americans, contain the effects of COVID, and rebuild the economy. Municipalities across the country have received financial support to assist in ongoing recovery efforts. The City of Kingston received $17.3 million in American Rescue Plan funding to support its efforts through 2026.

In 2021, the City hired Laberge Group to facilitate the creation of Kingston’s Economic Recovery Plan. The Plan follows all federal guidelines, incorporates extensive community input, and builds upon existing community projects, while supporting new initiatives that support recovery from the pandemic. The Kingston Common Council approved the plan in April 2022.

Mayor Steve Noble has appointed Project Manager Bill Reynolds to oversee the Economic Recovery Plan and manage Kingston’s $17.3 million in ARPA funding.

Reynolds will be responsible for coordinating ARPA projects and expenditures and ensure that funds are properly accounted for. Kingston’s Economic Recovery Plan, which incorporated months of community outreach and input, can be found on this page under “Documents.” As the projects outlined in the plan begin implementation, further updates will be added here.

Designated project areas in the Economic Recovery Plan including the following:

1. Arts, Cultural, & Tourism Development Projects - $1,042,500
2. Business Districts Development/Business (Re)Development Fund Projects - $1,200,000
3. Housing Action Projects - $4,757,500
4. Non-Profit Service Support - $1,225,000
5. Parks & Greenways Improvement Fund - $1,250,000
6. Public Health Projects - $2,125,000
7. Vital Community Infrastructure Projects - $4,545,000
8. Administration, Program Delivery, and Premium Pay - $1,555,000

According to federal guidelines, ARPA funds may be used by local governments to:

• cover costs associated with responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency or its negative economic impacts;
• support workers performing essential work during the emergency;
• cover revenue losses caused by the emergency; and
• make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.

Watch this American Rescue Plan Act Public Meeting:

During two public meetings, one of which is featured below, representatives from the City of Kingston and Laberge Group explained the Economic Recovery Plan process, identified strengths and opportunities for the City of Kingston, discussed challenges facing Kingston’s economic recovery, and solicited project ideas to advance economic recovery. Watch here in English or Spanish.

Vea la reunión en español a continuación:

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