Nassau County PAL Gets $950K In American Rescue Plan Act Funds

MINEOLA, NY — Nassau lawmakers allocated $950,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the Nassau County Police Athletic League in support of their countywide youth enrichment programming and services, Legis. Delia DiRiggi-Whitton's office said.

The funding was drawn from $15 million in federally allocated monies set aside by the Legislature for not-for-profit organizations and special districts that deliver ARPA-approved services.

The creation of this fund was an outgrowth of "extensive" Minority Caucus efforts to allocate ARPA resources to "bolster" programs addressing "critical needs arising from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic," DiRiggi-Whitton's office said.

The mission of PAL, which has more than three dozen local clubs, including on the North Shore based in Sea Cliff, is to "operate youth clubs and provide sports, crafts, educational and other programs of a team and individual nature for all boys and girls in Nassau County.”

The intent is to steer children toward the camaraderie of healthy, organized activities and to foster positive interactions between police officers and youth, according to DiRiggi-Whitton's office.

“For generations, the Nassau County PAL has been a reliable and impactful partner in the delivery of youth enrichment services that keep our kids safe and expand their horizons by exposing them to new sports and activities,” Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton said. “The Minority Caucus is proud to support this investment in the future of our youth and have every expectation that these and all of the forthcoming ARPA funds will be distributed equitably across the County for the benefit of all residents and taxpayers.”