American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Overview

On March 11, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). ARPA is an ambitious initiative to stimulate the American economy, support residents, and curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuild our local economy, ARPA will provide some much-needed relief to American families and businesses, including those right here in Wyandotte County.

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas will receive $87.5 million in federal aid over two years with $55.4 million allocated to the City of Kansas City, KS and $32.1 million for Wyandotte County.

Values, Vision and Goals for Our Recovery

Commission PictureThrough a facilitated strategic planning process, the Unified Government Board of Commissioners have begun to outline the core values, vision and goal for our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as a community. Our Commission priorities serve as the overall "North Stars" guiding our recovery but the values, vision and goals outlined herein are specific to how we will approach this ongoing global health crisis with preparing for a new "normal" in a post-pandemic world.


Values

EQUITABLE

We support a more equitable and inclusive future to ensure our community is an affordable, safe, and sustainable place to live for generations to come.

COLLABORATIVE

We invite collaboration and partnership with our community in addressing our greatest challenges by working transparently and focusing on our greatest needs and direct staff to do the same.

INNOVATIVE

We embrace bold, creative solutions to proactively and quickly transform the way that we work to support our community in its recovery from the pandemic.

RESILIENT

We prepare for the future and understand how our investment impacts social, public health, economic, and environmental outcomes in our neighborhoods.


Vision

Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS is a community that enjoys a high quality of life. Our diverse residents are healthy, safe, and share in the benefits of our growth as a community. We fully understand our infrastructure needs and quickly address problems. We support more diverse, quality housing in our neighborhoods, small business growth, and equitable economic development. The Unified Government and its partners work together to build on the success of our past while preparing us for an uncertain future. Together we develop bold, systemic solutions with multiple benefits, leveraging our investments efficiently and effectively.

Through our recovery from the pandemic, Wyandotte County/KCK will be ready for the future as we grow our community and address critical neighborhood needs.


Goals

The Unified Government Board of Commissioners have developed these three focus areas of goals for our pandemic recovery: Community Health and Well-Being; Infrastructure and Built Environment; and Organizational and Community Resilience. Keep reading for more details on our goals:

Community Health and Well-Being

Community.png

  • Address the needs of our community, particularly our most vulnerable, in response to the ongoing pandemic and in anticipation of cold weather, by working with our community partners and neighborhoods to immediately direct aid and coordinated support where it is
    needed most.
  • Establish a comprehensive response to address the needs of the unhoused with local and regional partners, building on our respective strengths through collaboration.
  • Fully implement the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to strengthen our overall health and well-being as a community.

Infrastructure and Built Environment

  • Infrastructure Understand current and future infrastructure needs to guide the equitable prioritization of investments, maintenance, and right-sizing.
  • Develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impacts of the aging infrastructure and rising costs for our community by the end of 2023.
  • Enhance availability and access to neighborhood amenities and infrastructure that support vibrant, healthy, and walkable neighborhoods.
  • Adopt a comprehensive strategy to develop sustainable, affordable, and diverse housing options to catalyze neighborhood regeneration and additional private investment, eliminating friction and barriers to redevelopment as applicable.
  • Balance new development by uplifting the existing community and identify equitable approaches to improving quality of life in disadvantaged communities.

Organizational and Community Resilience

  • Fiscal Resilience Prepare our organization, workforce, and community for future disasters and disruptions.
  • Foster and enhance our capacity for response at the neighborhood-level to maximize impact on social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
  • Build trust and accountability with our community through rapid, intentional, and inclusive reinvestment.
  • Establish fiscal sustainability for our operations as an organization.

 

Funding for Nonprofits and UG departments

In 2022, the Unified Government ARPA Subcommittee opened up an application to interested nonprofits and Unified Government departments for ARPA funding requests. We received 172 applications with a total request of more than $84M. This far exceeds the available funds to fund initiatives is closer to $16M. Topics ranged from recreation and healthcare; youth services; mental health; health and wellness; housing; banking; elderly assistance; childcare; education; workforce development; food insecurity; facility remediation; infrastructure; small business startup. Overall, the Subcommittee recommended that 32% of the ARPA funds be allocated to housing-related projects with another 30% funding health and wellness initiatives.

Recommended ARPA Grants by Category_2022.10.26.jpg

Housing

The following applications are recommended for funding housing-related projects:

Organization Program   Description  Amount Requested  Proposed Award 
Argentine Betterment Corporation Affordable Community Housing

Acquiring landbank properties, rehabilitating them with contracting partners, and selling them at affordable rates, then reinvesting the funds into the next property.

$165,000.00 $110,000.00
Avenue of Life Recovery Response - Impact KCK Capacity-Building

Avenue of Life Navigators provide intensive case management services, support, and education for families as they work toward a long-term housing solution and family economic self-sufficiency. Navigators take a two-generational approach, walking side-by-side with their families until the youngest child graduates high school and pursues post-secondary/vocational education.

$2,501,752.88

$1,225,438.22

 The Village Initiative The Village Initiative Inc. Houses of Hope  

Construction and development of transitional housing (4 units to house 10 individual men and women), assist with community reintegration, job and entrepreneurial support [this is an expansion from the earlier ARPA program award from the UG].

$350,000.00 $325,000.00
The Salvation Army Kansas City, Kansas Harbor of Hope

The Harbor of Hope will provide safe and structured transitional housing for those exiting prison and treatment centers.

$372,142.00 $336,071.00
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas City, Inc. Shalom House Homeless Transition Program

MCRC works to meet a wide range of housing, health, and human service needs in northeast KCK. We respectfully request funding to assist in the following areas: housing (rent, mortgage, and utility assistance), health (mental & physical) and nutrition.

$41,000.00 $41,000.00
El Centro Economic Empowerment

We want to prevent evictions and utility disconnections in addition to preventing additional debt that will only cause more financial stress to a household and our residents.

$758,567.00 $500,000.00
Friends of Yates Della Gill / Joyce H. Williams Center

Under this proposed project, FOY will continue to serve to meet the immediate health and safety needs of one of Wyandotte County’s most vulnerable and unhoused populations, by providing emergency shelter, housing assistance and life-saving supportive services to assist survivors in gaining self-sufficiency, economic prosperity and stable housing.

$430,898.00 $390,449.50
Our Spot KC Youth House Lion House is Our Spot KC’s flagship housing program, providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing to Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ community in need. This proposal is for funds for the continued, independent operation of our transitional housing facility (the “Youth House”), which serves LGBTQ+ youth ages 18-24. $1,129,014.00 $1,000,000
Mt. Carmel Redevelopment Corporation Critical Housing, Health, and Human Services in Northeast Wyandotte County, Kansas

In December, the Shalom House Transitional Program serving men experiencing homelessness will reopen at the Sanctuary of Hope Facility on Ridge Avenue in Kansas City Kansas. The program will be enhanced and expanded in many ways over what we could offer before. The new facility itself will feature a capacity of 50 residential participants, up from 22 at our former site, offer two fully compliant ADA rooms, quarters that provide for more dignity, classroom space for the workforce, financial education, support group, and community engagement activities planned and the proven benefit of a beautiful natural setting.

$1,578,000.00 $1,000,000.00
Cross-Lines Community Outreach Housing Stabilization  

The Housing Stabilization programs at Cross-Lines Community Outreach help prevent individuals from entering homelessness during this economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Beyond providing immediate relief for the households presenting financial needs, our case management team helps clients identify their resiliency, strengths and resources. Tapping into these natural supports empowers clients to become their own best advocate.

$585,800.00 $387,500.00
Community Housing of WyCo Affordable Apartments at Boulevard Lofts and Garden

CHWC respectfully requests $500,000 to offset increased construction costs for Boulevard Lofts and Garden, a ground-breaking new concept in residential urban farming located at 800 Washington Blvd, Kansas City, Kansas.

$500,000.00 $400,000.00 

Health & Wellness

From food insecurity to childcare to services for our unhoused neighbors, several projects will help support the health and wellness of our community. The following projects are recommended for ARPA funding:

Emergent Needs for Homeless and At-Risk Households

  • Project description: The Emergent Needs for Homeless and At-Risk Households project is comprised of three primary program components to address housing instability, food insecurity, and personal well-being: Client Services, Case Management, and Financial Opportunity Center. ARPA funding will allow MLM to continue to meet the growing needs of those in poverty in Wyandotte County, providing increased services and assistance to homeless and at-risk households.
  • The Kansas City Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry requested $400,000.00 in funds for the Emergent Needs for Homeless and At-Risk Households. The ARPA Subcommittee is recommending an award of $200,000.00.

Cross-Lines Community Market

  • Project description: Cross-Lines requests $324,600 in ARPA funding to support the expansion of the Community Market program, which serves residents of Wyandotte County who are food insecure. Funds will allow Cross-Lines to expand capacity and increase the amount of healthy food distributed to the community to meet the current increased demands for food access during the pandemic that is now compounded by increasing inflation.
  • The ARPA Subcommittee is recommended that Cross-Lines Community Outreach be awarded $250,000 for this initiative.

Start Young Program

  • Project description: The overall goal of The Family Conservancy (TFC) is to create a systemic approach to early childhood education that will improve the access and quality of childcare, in Wyandotte County and beyond. TFC provides under-resourced families with the ability to enroll their child in a quality early education setting that increases the child’s chances of entering kindergarten prepared to succeed. 
  • The Start Young Program requested $4,647,465.00 and is recommended for an award of $2,000,000.00. 

Air Quality Filtration Equipment

  • Project description: We are requesting funding to support the purchase of 10 commercial air filtration units for the detention centers and non-secured workspaces. Total cost will be $40,500.00.
  • The Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office has requested $40,500.00 and it is recommended for full funding.

Mitigation of Homelessness

  • Project description: Hillcrest respectfully requests funding to support an intentional effort to improve the physical and mental health of homeless households in Wyandotte County through increased access to transitional housing programs and services.
  • The Hillcrest Ministries of MidAmerica, Inc. has requested $645,000.00 which is recommended for full funding.


Education

The subcommittee has recommended two projects for funding:

Citizenship Class

  • Project description: Our goals for this citizenship program are to reach out to all immigrants with this program offering, and adequately prepare students to pass the citizenship exam. 
  • Mission Adelante requested $35,635.14 in funding. The proposed award is for $35,635.00. 

Project Eagle: Early Childhood Education

  • Project description: Project Eagle proposes to serve preschool aged children in Wyandotte County, Kansas that are needing full day, full year programming. Project Eagle has 14 classrooms, but due to decreased funding during the pandemic, one of our preschool classrooms has been closed leaving 17 slots unfilled and unutilized for children in need in the county. In order to most effectively address the comprehensive needs of these vulnerable families, Project Eagle plans to serve an additional 17 preschoolers in center-based services with programming using the Educare model. 
  • KUMC Project Eagle requested $3,671,224.81. The proposed award is $1,500,000.00.


Recreation

There is some overlap with our applicants -- several can be classified in more than one way. The following projects are recommended for funding:

  • FLOURISH!: YWOM Resource Center for Thriving Youth and Families
    • Project description: ARPA funding from the Unified Government will allow us to expand programming to greater numbers of youth, parents, other adults in the community, and existing and new partners. New Programs Proposed (ARPA Funding Request):  Community Garden, Culinary Center, Maker Space Resource Room & Fitness Center.
    • Young Women on the Move requested $787,800.00 and are recommended to receive an award of $618,900.00.
  • See Infrastructure Projects for various park improvements.


Infrastructure

The following infrastructure projects are recommended for funding:

Parkwood Pool Improvements

  • Project Description: Improvements to the fencing around the perimeter of the pool to enhance safety protocols for the facility.
  • The Unified Government Department of Parks & Recreation requested $150,000 in funding and it is recommended that this project be fully funded.

Klamm Park & Quindaro Tennis Courts

  • Project description: This project will consist of total improvements to Klamm Park Tennis Courts to include resurfacing, painting, re-striping of the court, new nets, and making repairs to the fencing around the perimeter.
  • The Unified Government Department of Parks & Recreation requested $160,000 in funding and it is recommended that this project be fully funded.

Parks Facilities Increased Public Safety

  • Project description: The Parks Project would install cameras on the outsides of community centers and at strategic park locations to potentially reduce crime, assist in solving crimes and improve the Sheriff’s response time to parks incidents.
  • The Unified Government Knowledge Department requested $9,100.16 which is recommended for full funding.

Northeast KCK Microtransit Pilot

  • Project description: The Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS Transportation Department (UGT) is aiming for the expansion of our existing microtransit program by implementing a one-year pilot route that will serve the currently underserved northeastern portion of our community. The pilot project is scheduled to operate Monday through Friday from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM and will allow for a vital connection to be made to the 7th and Minnesota Transit Center, allowing residents access to additional regional routes.
  • The Unified Government Department of Transportation requested $336,834.51 and is recommended to receive $318,417.00 in ARPA Funds.

Facility Remediation

Three projects were recommended for funding to address facility remediation:

Bus Shelter Improvements

  • Project description:  This project will improve and upgrade the 13 bus shelters between the 47th Street Transit Center and the 7th and Minnesota Transit Center. All bus shelters will be made fully enclosed and heated, thus improving the ridership experience and creating a safer place for citizens to wait for their preferred mode of transit. Additionally, we will be installing solar panels to power the dedicated shelter heating systems.
  • The Unified Government Department of Transportation requested and is recommended to receive $100,000 for this project.

Real-Time Crime Center

  • Project description: The RTICC has been allocated space for its office but the space itself is unusable in its current state. The space needs to be rehabilitated by replacing the aged HVAC system, installing new walls and electrical infrastructure, installing a new ceiling, and refinishing the floor.
  • The KCKPD has requested $157,333.09 in ARPA allocation which is recommended for full funding.

Affordable Apartments at Boulevard Lofts and Garden

  • Project description: CHWC respectfully requests $500,000 to offset increased construction costs for Boulevard Lofts and Garden, a ground-breaking new concept in residential urban farming located at 800 Washington Blvd, Kansas City, Kansas. (This project is also listed under housing.)
  • Community Housing of Wyandotte County requested $500,000.00. The ARPA Subcommittee recommends that this project is awarded $400,000.00

Administration

The Unified Government is proposing administrative grant support well-below the federal guidelines. The proposed allocation would cover the costs of an ARPA Coordinator and Consultants to support the program oversight, reporting, and support.

Proposed Awards:

  • ARPA Coordinator: $240,386.59
  • ARPA Consultants: $725,000.00


Workforce Development

Two projects addressing workforce development have been recommended for funding:

Skill Up WyCo!  - A Short-Term Skills Training and Support Project

  • Project Description: Provide training and skill development and wrap-around supports to fill in-demand jobs in IT, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, construction, and other skilled trades.
  • Local Workforce Investment Area III, Inc. requested $2,365,138.00 in ARPA funds to support the Skill Up WyCo! - a short-term skills training and support project. The subcommittee is recommending this project be funded with $1,100,000.00. 

KCK Construction Incubator

  • Project Description: The KCK Construction incubator and accelerator program is set up to be an incredible resource for MBE and WBE trade contractors who are looking to grow their businesses by developing a strong foundation and building the capacity to deliver on larger projects. During the 6-week program incubator participants will be engaging with our skilled facilitators, strategic partners, who are committed to sustainably developing the MWBE trade contractor community for greater success.
  • The Toolbox Small Business Resource Center requested $24,720.00 for this project and the subcommittee has recommended an award of $22,360.00. 


 

FAQs for Grant Subrecipients

In the coming months, we anticipate that nonprofits and Unified Government will have questions about their grant funding. We will continue to update this page with FAQs. 

When will the grant funds be available?

Funds will be available as soon as applicants have completed their pre-award meeting and all necessary contractual documents have been signed. Pre-award meetings invitations are currently being sent, and are scheduled based on awardee availability. 

How much of the awarded funds will be immediately available?

Awardees will receive 20% of the total grant award up front, and will be reimbursed for expenditures beyond that amount. Applicants will be required to submit receipts monthly, and will be reimbursed once the expenditures have been reviewed.

How long does the expenditure review process take?

Awardees will submit receipts to the iParametrics portal (link provided when contracts are signed) and iParametrics will review the submissions within seven (7) days. If no additional information or documentation is required, iParametrics will submit the information for reimbursement to the Unified Government. 

When do all expenditures need to be made and recorded?

All funds must be spent and recorded by 12/31/2025. All applicants will be required to complete monthly reports, and a program check in will be completed in June 2024 to ensure all funds will be appropriately spent prior to the end of the grant period.

What percentage of the grant can be used for administrative expenditures?

Administrative fees are capped at 10% unless there is a preexisting administrative agreement in place between the Unified Government and the awardee. 

What documents do awardees need to have for the pre-award meeting?

  • SAM.gov registration
  • Updated scope
  • Updated budget
  • Most recent audit (if available)

How will pre-award expenditures be handled?

Pre-award expenditures will be evaluated during the initial grant award meeting. 

Have additional questions? Please email ARPA Coordinator Gwendolyn Thomas at gwenthomas@wycokck.org

ARPA General FAQ

To help us track our progress throughout this process of planning for our recovery, we've outlined a few resources for you here:

How the Money Can Be Spent (Eligible Funding Categories)

ARPA specifically defines how the funding can be used and the Unified Government also has restrictions on where the money can be spent (city versus county operations). Generally, the categories include initiatives that will either:

  • Improve public health and community resilience
  • Address disparities of disproportionately impacted communities
  • Diminish family violence and substance abuse
  • Create more stable, affordable housing and prevent evictions
  • Invest in workforce development
  • Augment broadband/Internet access in underserved areas
  • Invest in critical wastewater and stormwater infrastructure
  • Assist small businesses impacted by the pandemic

With this in mind, the Unified Government is eager to identify projects and initiatives that address our community's most immediate needs while investing in sustainable solutions with long-term benefits.

Here are the categories in greater detail:

ARPA Categories Eligible Uses
Public Health
  • Vaccination, testing, contact tracing
  • Prevention in congregate settings
  • Facilities repairs to respond to COVID
  • Communication, enforcement, isolation, quarantine
  • Payroll costs of public sector responding to COVID
  • Mental health and substance abuse
  • Other public health services
Negatively Impacted Communities and Industries
Disproportionately Impacted Communities
  • Education assistance
  • Healthy childhood environments
  • Housing support
  • Social determinants of health
  • Community violence interventions
Premium Pay for Employees Fighting COVID
Infrastructure
  • Wastewater
  • Stormwater
  • Broadband


Read US Treasury Guidance on Eligible Uses(PDF, 436KB)

How the Money is Being Spent (Allocation Tracking)

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County received a total allocation of $87.5M local recovery funds to be distributed between the City of Kansas City, KS and Wyandotte County.

ARPA Allocation As Of JUNE 6, 2022

ARPA Allocation_2022.06.07.jpg

Glossary of Terms

Revenue Loss

The Revenue Loss Replacement is calculated based on the impact on the Unified Government's 2020 budget. These dollars are set aside to cover loss and provide the greatest flexibility of use. Currently, there is a project remaining balance of $9.6M in the City of Kansas City, KS general fund from the revenue replacement.

Immediate Needs

Funding for ongoing pandemic response as presented and approved by the Unified Government Board of Commissioners in August 2021.

Additional Needs

These are funds proposed for ongoing county public health in 2022.

Unallocated Funds

Not yet directed per fund guidelines but need to be allocated by 2024.

How does the UG ARPA allocation compare to other jurisdictions?

Jurisdiction
ARPA Funds
City of Bonner Springs, KS $1.2M
City of Edwardsville, KS $0.68M
City of Kansas City, KS $55M
City of Lake Quivira, KS $0.14M
City of Lawrence, KS $19.3M
 City of Lenexa, KS $5.13M
City of Manhattan, KS $12.76M
City of Olathe, KS $14.92M
City of Overland Park, KS $18.58M
City of Shawnee, KS $7.56M
City of Topeka, KS $45.68M
City of Wichita, KS $72.42M
Donnelly College $1.1M
Jackson County, MO $136.55M
 Johnson County, KS $117.01M
 Kansas City, KS Community College $11.8M
Leavenworth County, KS $8.55M
Wyandotte County, KS $32M

 

Jurisdiction
ESSER III Funds
Bonner Springs, KS - USD #204 $3.88M
KCK Public Schools - USD #500 $82.44M
Piper - USD #203 $0.94M
Turner - USD #202 $9.46M

What federal COVID funds have the Unified Government received to date?

Source
Award
COVID Rapid Response $43,752
Federal Transit Administration CARES Act $4,125,415
Federal Transit Administration Formula Grant - COVID-Related $599,256&
US Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid Supplement Health Department $50,393
US Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid Supplement EMS $84,000
KS Department of Commerce, Connectivity Emergency Response Grant $1,411,582
Subtotal COVID-Related Grants $6,314,398 
CARES Funding / Governor's SPARK Task Force $37,330,933 
Total 2020 COVID-Related & CARES Funds $43,645,331
 HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) $3.19M 
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) - street outreach, homeless prevention, rapid re-housing, etc. $2.39M
Community Development Block Grant $2.14M
Total Other 2021 COVID-Related Funds $7.72M

Funding Our Immediate Needs (August 2021)

ARPA Immediate Needs-ADOPTED 2021.08.26.jpg On August 26, 2021, the Unified Government Board of Commissioners approved the use of ARPA funds to address Immediate Needs to support our ongoing pandemic response and community aid. This included $1.85M in support for housing to address the needs of our community. Select the image to view the report.

Watch the presentation and discussion here

Additional COVID Response Needs (January 2022)

On Monday, January 24, 2022, the Administration and Human Services Standing Committee heard an update and request for American Rescue Plan funds to support our ongoing pandemic response and community health. The full Commission will consider this request on Thursday, January 27, 2022. In the meantime, check out this video where the Public Health Department provides a thorough update on how the proposed allocation would go to work in our community:


Progress to Date (Reporting on How the Money is Working)

ARPA Projects & Expenditures Report
Immediate Needs
  • Pandemic Response: With the ARPA funds approved on August 26, 2021, the Unified Government has continued its ongoing pandemic response, offering free vaccines, testing, booster shots, contact tracing, and supportive services to the community.
  • Housing Assistance: In October 2021, we partnered with the United Way of Greater Kansas City to provide $1.85M in direct housing assistance to those in need across our community through 11 different local agencies. Services offered include rental and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and temporary housing.
  • Small Businesses: For small businesses, the Small Business Resiliency Grant was launched on December 17, 2021 to provide up to $10,000 in technical assistance and support.
  • Vaccine Incentive: For Unified Government staff, a program was created to encourage staff vaccination certification for public health and continuity of our operations. With an incentive of $400 paid to staff who certified their vaccination by November 30, 2021 and with an additional $100 to be paid for staff who receive their booster shot, the Unified Government has 73.6% of its staff certify their vaccination (as of December 21, 2021). The program will wrap-up in 2022 with final certification of booster shots and any remaining dollars for this program will return to the general ARPA funds.
MORE UPDATES COMING SOON!

Past Presentations, Reports, and Other Information

LINK TO VIDEOS

Watch our various meetings on ARPA

Presentations
Reports
Other Information
Other Recovery Grant Opportunities

How do I ask a question about ARPA?

Please contact our ARPA Coordinator, Gwendolyn Thomas, at arpa@wycokck.org

 

Additional Resources

Here are some links to some of the references and resources we have been tracking as part of the American Rescue Plan Act efforts.

Results for America American Rescue Plan Dashboard covers an analysis of 150 publicly available American Rescue Plan Performance Reports, submitted August 31, 2021 to the federal government.

National League of Cities ARPA Tracker is a much broader resource but can be filtered by the American Rescue Plan Act (Policy Area), making it easier to scan the 560 plans and proposals from communities across the United States.