Orange County. Legislature approves American Rescue Plan Act spending plan

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus recently announced that the County Legislature has approved his plan for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending by a vote of 20-0.

The county received $74,770,002 in ARPA funds through a $1.9 trillion stimulus package Congress passed in March 2021 to assist counties in recovering from the economic and public health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Orange County has decided to use much of this critical ARPA funding on improving infrastructure and public safety,” Neuhaus said. “These projects will greatly benefit the county government and our residents. I look forward to collaborating with the Legislature and our Department Heads on moving these initiatives forward.”

Some of the key projects included in the county’s ARPA plan include:

* $24 million for a new, state-of-the-art Medical Examiner’s Office. The facility will include a dignified public entrance and waiting area, a family viewing room, autopsy room and isolation autopsy.

* $16.3 million for recruitment and retention of county employees.

* $6.3 million for security upgrades at county government buildings at 30 different locations.

* $6 million for the enhancement of school safety, including upgraded public safety radios.

* $5 million for asbestos removal and a new roof at Morrison Hall at SUNY Orange in Middletown.

* $4.5 million for new equipment for the county’s Information Technology Department.

* $1.5 million for upgrades at Cromline Pump Station.

* $1 million for water improvements at Thomas Bull Memorial Park.

“I applaud our Department Heads who, along with our consultants, formulated a solid list of projects to be funded through ARPA,” Katie Bonelli, Chairwoman of the Legislature said. “They addressed the challenges of the criteria and eligibility set forth by the program with careful consideration, which benefits all of Orange County’s residents.”