American Rescue Plan Act

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law to provide federal funding to local governments for response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is in addition to the $121.5 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds that Lake County allocated in 2020 to support our residents, communities, taxing districts, businesses, and countywide services in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ARPA will provide $135.2 million in direct local recovery assistance to Lake County Government. The funding that Lake County received will support projects and programs to improve lives, solve problems, and make our County more resilient to future challenges.

The Lake County Board is committed to both addressing immediate pandemic response needs and pursuing long-term equity-informed initiatives. Lake County’s focus is to maximize strategic investments that will benefit residents for years to come by funding improved outcomes rather than short-term fixes. Learn more by viewing Lake County's annual recovery plans:

American Rescue Plan Act Project Requests 

Lake County accepted ARPA program and service requests from Sept. 30 - Oct. 31, 2022, from nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations, and local units of government other than municipalities to aid in the response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.

ARPA Spending Categories

Counties have broad discretion over how to spend ARPA resources, but there are constraints set by the US Treasury that Lake County must follow. Lake County has established task forces across five categories that align with the US Treasury’s compliance guidance

Below is a summary of the task forces with a sampling of programs and projects that are being funded:

Public Health

Public Health

  • $1.9 million has been allocated to date
  • Software and technologies that support vaccine distribution, testing, contact tracing.
  • Establishment of a COVID Call Center to support Lake County’s residents.
  • Funding for behavioral healthcare, to include mental health support services.
Community & Household Assistance

Community & Household Assistance

  • $21.4 million has been allocated to date
  • Funding food distribution programs for the homeless and those in need.
  • Creating and preserving affordable housing in different areas throughout Lake County.
  • Construction of a permanent shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Staffing the administration of Lake County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
  • Providing shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
Economy & Business

Economic & Business Investment

  • $4 million has been allocated to date
  • Initiatives to support Lake County’s hospitality businesses and promote tourism.
  • Programs that incentivize hospitality organizations to host large events in Lake County to support greater economic activity.
Infrastructure & Facilities

Infrastructure & Facility Investment

  • $36.3 million has been allocated to date
  • Funds for construction of a new 911 / Emergency Operations Center in Lake County
  • Investments in Lake County’s wastewater treatment plants to update and improve treatment capabilities
  • Drinking water quality improvements throughout Lake County
County Services

County Services Investment

  • $26.8 million has been allocated to date (including revenue replacements)
  • Purchase and storage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for distribution and use across all of Lake County.
  • Equipment and technologies to further improve voting by mail, and in-person.
  • Programs that support a reduction in violent crimes and prevent gun violence

Strategic Plan Driven Recommendations

Lake County will utilize a number of community-driven and other organization-based strategic plans to serve as road maps to guide decisions for the future. The following are examples of plans that influence how Lake County prioritizes and invests resources:

Funding Distribution

The Lake County Board established a Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Investments. This committee is actively working to assess and prioritize potential projects and programs under the Lake County Forward initiative. Lake County continues to appropriate ARPA funds to meet immediate response needs, such as continuing food distribution and housing programs needed in response to COVID-19.

ARPA Funding Distribution

Click here to view the projects funded to date (PDF)

Watch Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Investments

June 2, 2023Agenda
April 28, 2023AgendaVideo
April 21, 2023
AgendaVideo
March 3, 2023
AgendaVideo
February 3, 2023
AgendaVideo
August 26, 2022
AgendaVideo
June 3, 2022
Agenda
Video
April 29, 2022AgendaVideo
March 25, 2022AgendaVideo
February 23, 2022AgendaVideo
February 10, 2022AgendaVideo
December 10, 2021AgendaVideo
November 19, 2021AgendaVideo
November 5, 2021AgendaVideo
October 15, 2021AgendaVideo



Additional Resources