Elyria, OH – Today is the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the America Rescue Plan Act (ARP), and Mayor Whitfield is announcing the first round of small business grants and the ways this historic legislation has allowed Elyria to invest in our communities, lift up our neighbors and drive economic recovery.
The administration plans to continue working with community leaders and City Council to utilize the remainder of the funds. 22 businesses received a total of $725,766 through the first round of ARP small business grants.
A critical component of the ARP was direct relief funding for American cities and states, and these funds have helped the city address critical needs as we continue to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, while also making investments for our future.
“These ARPA funds are allowing us to retain and hire police officers and firefighters, invest in our parks and recreation, provide grants to businesses that have been hurt by COVID19, and provide grants to nonprofits providing essential services.” said Mayor Frank Whitfield.
Some of the other needs and priorities that the relief funds from ARP have helped support in Elyria include computer upgrades at Elyria Municipal Court and a new fire truck for Station 1 (both under the lost revenue/general services category).