OK Co. Commissioner to award another round of ARPA funds

OKLAHOMA COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) — Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert is looking to allocate another round of funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and has created a guidebook and informational sessions to help answer application questions.

ARPA was signed into law in March of 2021 to set up support for state, local, and tribal governments in response to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19 that affected businesses, communities and residents.

Oklahoma County granted $8.4 million across three districts, in community grants, during the first round of the funding. A second portion of funding is looking to be awarded by the county and will distribute an additional $5.7 million throughout the community.

Award amounts will be determined by each county commissioner on a case-by-case basis. There is no current minimum or maximum amount for the application but it is subject to change. Amounts may change based on district and projects.

Oklahoma County will look to prioritize supporting projects that provide aid to immensely impacted communities that are facing challenges and are in need of assistance through areas such as housing, mental health and addiction treatment, jail diversion, food assistance and after-school support programs.

If organizations and individuals are interested in applying for ARPA funds the application portal reopens on April 17 and closes May 30.

Virtual meeting sessions are set up to join through Microsoft Teams and will be held March 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 pm. Another session will be available on March 28 at 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Links to these events are below.

An in-person session will take place on April 10 and the location and time will be announced soon.

It is encouraged to read the ARPA guidebook and to attend the the upcoming sessions.

Community Application Guidebook

March 26th 11:30 am Session

March 28th 2:30 pm Session