Barnstable County Commissioners Announce Update on ARPA Funding and Grant Agreement Extensions
Other New Grant Awards Support Key County Initiatives and County’s 339th Anniversary
May 22, 2024 (BARNSTABLE, MA) – At the Barnstable County Commissioners’ meeting this morning, Vaira Harik, Assistant County Administrator and ARPA Manager, provided an update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and sub-recipient grant agreements. The presentation included recommendations for extending grant agreements set to expire on June 30, 2024, and a detailed summary of all ARPA expenditures through March 31, 2024.
ARPA Sub-Recipient Grant Agreements are Extended
Ms. Harik presented recommendations regarding the extension of sub-recipient grant agreements. Of the 42 sub-recipients, 10 have completed their spending. Thus 32 sub-recipients received no-cost ARPA Grant Agreement extensions, as follows:
- Non-Profits: 15 organizations. Agreements extended to September 30, 2024.
- Affordable Housing: 5 organizations. Agreements extended to September 30, 2024.
- Towns: 12 towns. Agreements extended to December 31, 2024.
The Commissioners unanimously voted to extend the Grant Agreements to ensure that all funds are utilized effectively and that essential projects continue to receive the support they need.
New Grant Awards Support Key County Initiatives
The Barnstable County Commissioners also authorized several new grant awards to support crucial initiatives across the county.
Children’s Cove has been awarded a $90,144.00 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. This grant will enhance comprehensive and coordinated multidisciplinary services for child abuse victims and their families. The funding, effective from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, will significantly bolster county-wide support efforts.
In the Department of Human Services, the Barnstable County HOME Consortium has secured $404,490.00 in HUD funding, plus an additional $61,966.00 in repurposed program income. This annual grant will help create and preserve affordable housing throughout the county for Program Year 2024, running from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension has been awarded a substantial $500,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. This grant will fund the design and development of phase one of a new household hazardous waste collection facility. This project, set to commence upon contract execution, will continue through December 31, 2026, addressing a critical need for safe waste disposal.
The Department of Health and Environment will receive a $397,000.00 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Health. This funding, covering the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, will enhance public health efforts across the county by supporting infectious disease case investigations.
Barnstable County Day, the County’s 339th Anniversary
Sonja Sheasley, Communications Coordinator, reminded the Commissioners that the county is approaching its 339th anniversary on June 2. Last year, the Commissioners voted to commemorate this day as Barnstable County Day. On June 2, 1685, Plymouth Colony was divided into Plymouth, Bristol, and Barnstable Counties to address the difficulties residents of distant towns faced when traveling to the colony’s seat for business. Barnstable County initially included the towns of Sandwich, Barnstable, and Yarmouth, along with smaller settlements in Eastham and other areas. After some debate, Barnstable was chosen as the shire town due to its central location, and possibly influenced by Governor Tho mas Hinckley, who resided in Barnstable.
A video presentation on this topic, given to the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners by Gene Guill of Tales of Cape Cod on May 24, 2023, can be accessed at About the County | Barnstable County, Cape Cod
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD
Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
