The Unified Government board of commissioners will hold a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. this evening to review the status of funds received under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Congress passed the law in March 2021 in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

The UG received a total of $87.5 million, and has spent $61.7 million, directly or through grant recipients. All funds must be spent by the end of 2026.

Some major projects remain, including air handling systems at the courthouse and jail, totalling $4.8 million. There are also improvements to the trails at Pierson and Wyandotte County parks that will be funded, totaling $1.1 million.

$3.0 million will be used toward the Kansas and Central Avenue bridge projects. There is another $1.3 million available for grant matching.

Other significant projects that will be paid for with ARPA funds are improvements to the Wilhelmina Gill Services Center ($1.2 million) and to KCATA bus shelters ($1.2 million).

A total of $1.7 million awarded to outside groups remains unspent, including $537 thousand to Mt. Carmel Redevelopment, a community organization providing housing and other assistance in northeast KCK; $594 thousand to KU Medical Center’s Project Eagle, which provides health and early-education services to children; and $495 thousand to Young Women on the Move, a personal development program for young women.

The commission will hear updates on the ARPA funds but does not expect to vote on any related matters. The funds were fully committed as of 2024 as required by the legislation.

Afterwards, the board of commissioners will also hold an executive session, for legal matters, that is closed to the public.