Jefferson City Council to discuss American Rescue Plan funds and building demolitions
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
At Monday night's city council meeting in Jefferson City, the council is set to discuss potential projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and multiple building demolitions along the Capitol Avenue area.
American Rescue Plan Act Funds
The city council is expected to discuss potential funding for different projects and proposals that would be paid for using American Rescue Plan Act funding given to Jefferson City. Public comment on the funding usage is also set to take place at the meeting.
In total, the city was awarded $7,586,581 in ARPA funding. So far, the city has received half of that, according to council documents attached to the meeting agenda.
The city has already allocated $790,917.60 of those funds for stormwater improvements within the fiscal year 2022 budget.
Some other potential areas for the money include essential worker compensation, reimbursement for city-related COVID-19 expenses and COVID-19 health-related equipment. The funding for potential projects greatly vary both in size and the topic.
Previously, some Jefferson City residents have suggested the money be allocated to the Salvation Army for the homeless population, solar power for city buildings and affordable housing for residents.
A complete list of potential projects can be found starting on page 9 of the city council agenda below.
According to the federal government, funding from the ARPA must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026.
Building Demolitions
One proposal up for a vote by the council is to demolish 14 different buildings which are deemed "dangerous and a nuisance" to the public. In order to classify these buildings for demolition, the city held hearings and the city examiner evaluated the buildings and found they were no longer safe and needed to be removed.
These buildings are located along Adams Street, Capitol Avenue, Jackson Street and Commercial Way. The city has previously demolished buildings along Adams Street, Capitol Avenue and Jackson Street.
The city budget for the demolition and project is set at $575,000, which would be allocated from the general fund for Jefferson City.
The recommended action for the council is to approve the demolition of the buildings.
The city council meeting is set for Monday at 6 p.m. at the John G. Christy Municipal Building.
