American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government under President Joe Biden created the American Rescue Plan to provide direct relief to Americans, contain the effects of COVID, and rebuild the economy. Municipalities across the country 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.
Although the ARPA program is set to expire December 31, 2026, Kingston was required to have funds encumbered through contract, purchase order or assigned to the city budget's fund balance by December 31, 2024. Kingston has met this obligation. The latest information can be found in the City's regularly updated Spending Plan Summary, which is listed on the right-hand side of this page.
Kingston's ARPA fund has been managed by Kingston resident and former Common Council Majority Leader and Finance/Audit Committee Chair Bill Reynolds, who was appointed by Mayor Steve Noble in September 2022. Reynolds is responsible for coordinating ARPA projects and expenditures, and ensuring that funds are properly accounted for. Kingston’s Economic Recovery Plan, which incorporated months of community outreach and input, is listed on this page under “Documents.”
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 Plan, which was the direct result of input from the public was approved by the Kingston Common Council in April 2022.
The purpose of this page is to keep the public continually informed on Kingston's ARPA activities, as programs and projects outlined in the plan are implemented. Documents on the right hand column of this page contain documents and weblinks designed to achieve this purpose. Readers who have questions are encouraged to contact Reynolds.
Designated project areas in the Economic Recovery Plan including the following:
- Arts, Cultural, & Tourism Development Projects - $1,042,500
- Business Districts Development/Business (Re)Development Fund Projects - $1,200,000
- Housing Action Projects - $4,757,500
- Non-Profit Service Support - $1,225,000
- Parks & Greenways Improvement Fund - $1,250,000
- Public Health Projects - $2,125,000
- Vital Community Infrastructure Projects - $4,545,000
- 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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