$6.2M Awarded By Chesco Commissioners From American Rescue Plan

WEST CHESTER, PA —Chester County commissioners recently awarded $6.2 million for 22 projects countywide in the second round allocating the funds awarded to the county .

This adds to the $40 million in funds that were awarded to 73 applicants during the first round of American Rescue Plan Act grants. Overall the county awarded $46 million in grants.

The county received more than 300 applicants for funding requests as a result of losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The sheer number of applications the county received for ARPA funding, and the quality of those applications has made the decision process extremely difficult,” Marion Moskowtiz, chairwoman, said.
“We are very encouraged to see the many incredible ways that our county businesses, community organizations, nonprofits and citizens are helping to rebuild our communities.”
The commissioners noted the grants will help rebuild the county’s economy.

A committee of 36 volunteers divided equally between Chester County residents and staff provided recommendations to the commissioners.

Commissioner Josh Maxwell said, “We cannot stress enough our appreciation for the work that so many individuals and organizations are doing and have been doing to contribute to the rebuilding of Chester County’s economy.”

Commissioner Michelle Kichline said the funding allows the board to consider crucial, but previously cost-prohibitive services, including the investment in affordable housing.

Here is a breakdown of where the funds were allocated:

• $12.9 M in behavioral health
• $9 M in public health
• $7 M in housing
• $6.9 M in public safety
• $3.3 M in community facilities and programs
• $2.7 M in infrastructure
• $1.8 M in workforce development
• $1.5 M in food security
• $1.1 M in child care

The awards include these projects:

• Community Volunteers in Medicine: $355,252 over five years for immunization services; $1.2million to increase access to free, comprehensive, and compassionate healthcare due to the lingering effects of the pandemic.
• Chester County Opportunities Industrialization: $833,070: Work Enclave to provide opportunities to residents in Coatesville.
• Kennett Area Community Service: 49,754 to recover physical damage at the Kennett Food CupBoard that were spent in 2021 from physical damage due to an increase in visits during the pandemic.
• Oxford Library Company: $6,200 for enhancing library services
• KACS Resource Center Renovations: $166,732 to renovate the basement for Emergency Assistance programs.
• Chester County Intermediate Unit: $488,201 for 12 public school districts and five charter schools Mental Health Optimal Development programs.
• Domestic Violence Center of Chester County: $116,020 for full-time counselors.
• East Brandywine Fire Company: $512,450 to rehabilitate the aging firehouse.
• District Court Administration: $2.1 million for software subscription and $41,199 technology equipment to record preliminary hearings with access to the public.
• Kacie’s Cause: $45,000 Recovery House scholarships for seniors active in substance abuse prevention.
• Atglen Public Library: $8,750 for expanding services.
• Chester County Food Bank: $450,000 to purchase food that will be distributed countywide.
• Phoenixville Community Behavioral Health Program: $576,000 to provide ongoing mental and behavioral health services to at-risk community members to promote overall wellness and preempt mental health crisis situations.
• Good Samaritan Kennett Square Emergency Shelter: $75,000 for building costs.
• Phoenixville Area Community Services Inc.: $428,743 for f infrastructure upgrades is to make the building more accessible and food distribution more efficient.
• Parkesburg POINT: $150,669 to expand The POINT’s programs and staffing to better address student’s increased physical, academic, social, and mental health needs that have resulted from the COVID-19 health emergency.
• First United Methodist Church: $10,000 for funding assistance for kitchen ministry.
• Family Service of Chester County: $21,000 for 600 subsidized counseling sessions for low-income clients.