$178.4 Million of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds are Transforming Erie County
Sewer Infrastructure, Parks, Affordable Housing, ErieNET Broadband, General Infrastructure, Public Works, Health and Workforce Programs are Generational Investments
ARPA/SLFRF Funding Leveraged Millions more in Direct/Indirect Investments and Accelerated
the Completion of High Priority Projects
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined today by several county Commissioners and department heads to present a full account of county investments made with American Rescue Plan/State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (“ARP/SLFRF”) funding made possible by President Biden and the Democratic congressional majority. Erie County received $ 178.4 million of these funds, which could be used to replace lost revenue and/or respond to public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also for water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure projects. All funds were obligated by December 31, 2024, and all must be spent by December 31, 2026.
“Investments made with American Rescue Plan funding are transforming Erie County and on behalf of our residents I thank former President Joe Biden, Senator Schumer and our congressional Democratic caucus for working together to support American families, workers and communities. With this funding we have been able to make improvements that would not have been possible otherwise, strengthening our infrastructure in multiple ways and building a better county for the future,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “We are making generational investments not only in infrastructure but in broadband access, affordable housing, Parks and Health and many more areas with results that will improve Erie County for decades to come. These funds will benefit every municipality in the county and show what can happen when good, responsible governance works for the people.”
ARP funds are being invested countywide as follows:
• Environment & Planning/Sewers $ 128.93 million
• Parks, Recreation and Forestry $ 13.1 million
• Dept of Public Works $ 24.71 million
• Economic and Workforce Development $ 6.62 million
• Investments in Health $ 5.08 million
$ 178.4 Million
The Department of Environment and Planning is administering nearly three-quarters (72%) of Erie County’s ARP funds in the following areas: the Division of Sewerage Management/Eric County Sewer Districts ($63.97 million), affordable housing ($20 million), ErieNET Broadband Open Access Network ($34 million), and general infrastructure projects ($10.95 million).
Over $56 million of the sewerage investment has been spent as of December 31, 2024. System upgrades countywide include over sixty miles of collection system pipe replaced or rehabilitated; hundreds of manholes and lateral connections addressed; pumping station upgrades at eight locations, including replacement of over 5,200 linear feet of the existing 30-inch diameter Depew Pumping Station force main; and extensive upgrades at all treatment plants, most notably $22.7 million in upgrades for the Southtowns Advanced Wastewater Treatment facility. Elsewhere, a new water tower and tank/line have been installed at the new Agribusiness Park in Evans, the N. Central Avenue water line was replaced in Springville, and similar upgrades have been completed in Lancaster, Akron, the City of Tonawanda, and at the Rural Outreach Center.
“As I have said before, sewers are not sexy but they are essential and you want them to work. These upgrades are expensive but necessary and would have had to be completed in the next 5-10 years anyway, but at a much larger cost to the county were it not for the ARP funds,” Poloncarz continued. “These are improvements that will last for decades and serve the community well.”
Other general infrastructure investments either underway or set to begin in 2025 include the Isleview Park enhancement project, the Miracle League (Grand Island) upgrade, Olmsted South Park/MLK work, and the Botanical Gardens expansion.
Erie County is investing in affordable housing, with $13.5 million allocated for in-fill single-family, owner-occupied units on vacant lots, with up to 25 lots in Buffalo, 5 lots in Cheektowaga, and potential lots being added in Tonawanda and Lackawanna. $5.5 million will also support the creation of multi-family rental projects, with over 700 units envisioned. $1 million will be invested with new and emerging developers to create 48 more affordable units.
$13.1 million of ARP funding has been invested in Erie County parks, with projects of all types systemwide to improve accessibility, restrooms, structures, parking lots, playgrounds, golf courses, casinos, and historical features. Included are the Schenck House Renovation, Wendt Mansion and Stables design & renovations, Ellicott Creek Park and Emery Park shelter upgrades, and parking lot upgrades at Emery, Como Lake, and Chestnut Ridge parks.
The Department of Public Works is working with $24.7 million in ARP funding to improve and maintain county roads and infrastructure including the Buffalo Convention Center, new Highway Barns, a Microgrid at the Rath building, a new roof at SUNY Erie City Campus, and other projects.
ARP investments in Health led to the establishment of an Office of Health Equity and COVID-19 mitigation efforts, while economic and workforce development investments included vital small business promotion with the Shop 716 campaign, and the successful Erie County Healthcare Careers program, a training program to prepare low-income individuals for healthcare jobs with advancement opportunities. Nearly 700 residents have been enrolled and progress through healthcare careers training in the following programs: LPN, CNA, RN, Phlebotomist, Medical Assistant, and Medical Technician.
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