Lane County has been allocated over $124 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to facilitate recovery and growth following the pandemic. These crucial ARPA funds, distributed via direct allocations, the State of Oregon, and competitive grants, have been fully committed to a diverse range of projects aimed at bolstering the community.
Housing Initiatives Supported by ARPA
A significant portion of ARPA funding, totaling $27.6 million, is dedicated to strengthening housing infrastructure and providing essential assistance to Lane County residents. Key initiatives include:
- Rent Assistance ($17M): Providing crucial support to individuals and families struggling to meet rental obligations, ensuring housing stability during challenging times.
- Utility, Weatherization, and Water Assistance ($5.2M): Offering vital aid to manage utility costs, improve home energy efficiency, and ensure access to clean water, particularly beneficial for vulnerable households.
- Permanent Supportive Housing ($440k): Investing in long-term housing solutions coupled with supportive services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
- Homeownership Seed Fund ($522k*): Creating pathways to homeownership for eligible residents, fostering long-term financial stability and community investment.
- Homes for Good Public Housing Rehabilitation – Lindeborg Place in Junction City ($174k*): Improving and revitalizing existing public housing units to ensure safe and quality living conditions.
- Land purchase for affordable housing ($1.5M*): Strategic land acquisition to expand the availability of affordable housing options in the future.
- Peace Village by SquareOne Villages ($750k*): Supporting innovative tiny home communities that offer sustainable and affordable housing solutions.
- Veteran’s housing by St. Vincent de Paul ($500k*): Providing dedicated housing support and services for veterans, recognizing their service and addressing their unique needs.
- Holiday Farm Fire Permit Services ($1.5M): Assisting residents affected by the Holiday Farm Fire with permit processes, facilitating rebuilding and recovery efforts.
Addressing Homelessness with ARPA Funds
Homelessness is a critical issue in many communities, and Lane County is utilizing $13.8 million in ARPA funds to provide comprehensive support and solutions for those experiencing homelessness:
- Shelter & Navigation Services for People Experiencing Homelessness ($4.6M): Funding emergency shelters and navigation centers that offer immediate safety and connect individuals with resources and pathways to stable housing.
- City of Eugene Shelter and Land Acquisition ($3.25M*): Supporting the City of Eugene’s efforts to expand shelter capacity and acquire land for future shelter developments.
- City of Eugene Rest Stops ($250k*): Contributing to the operation of rest stops that provide basic amenities and safe spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Homeless Street Outreach Services ($2.5M): Enabling outreach teams to connect with individuals living on the streets, offering assistance, resources, and pathways to shelter and services.
- Housing and Homeless System Operations ($2M): Strengthening the overall infrastructure and coordination of the homeless response system in Lane County.
- Pallet Shelters ($750k*): Investing in the provision of temporary, individual shelter units that offer a safer and more dignified alternative to unsheltered homelessness.
- Landlord Engagement Program ($75k*): Incentivizing and supporting landlords to rent to individuals with housing vouchers or those transitioning out of homelessness.
- Mobile Crisis Response ($400k*): Funding mobile crisis teams that can respond to mental health and substance use crises in the community, providing on-site support and de-escalation.
Supporting Nonprofits and Economic Growth
Recognizing the vital role of nonprofits and a thriving local economy, Lane County has allocated $9.1 million of ARPA funds to bolster these sectors, including significant support for food security initiatives:
- ARPA Community Grants ($3M): Providing grants to local community organizations to support a wide range of needs and initiatives across Lane County.
- Homeless Service Provider Network Capacity Building ($1.4M): Strengthening the capacity of organizations that provide services to the homeless population, enhancing their effectiveness and reach.
- Nonprofit Capacity Building ($100k*): Investing in the overall organizational development and sustainability of nonprofit organizations in Lane County.
- Looking Glass Youth Services Staff Retention ($580k*): Supporting staff retention at Looking Glass Youth Services, ensuring continued vital services for at-risk youth.
- Cottage Theatre Capacity Expansion ($75k*): Enabling capacity expansion at the Cottage Theatre, contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the region.
- South Lane Family Relief Nursery ($180k*): Supporting the South Lane Family Relief Nursery in its mission to prevent child abuse and neglect through early childhood programs and family support.
- Food For Lane County Warehouse Expansion ($2.1M*): A significant investment to expand the warehouse capacity of FOOD for Lane County, the regional food bank. This expansion is crucial for enhancing their ability to store and distribute food to those experiencing hunger, addressing food insecurity across the county. This project directly strengthens the critical food for Lane County infrastructure, allowing them to better serve the community.
- Rebuilding the Vida McKenzie Community Center ($480k*): Supporting the rebuilding of the Vida McKenzie Community Center, a vital hub for community activities and resources in the McKenzie River region.
- McKenzie School District gymnasium moisture remediation ($500k*): Addressing critical infrastructure needs at McKenzie School District, ensuring a healthy and safe learning environment for students.
- Huerto de la Familia Business Resource Navigation Services ($150k): Providing business resource navigation services through Huerto de la Familia, supporting Latino entrepreneurs and small businesses.
- Lane Workforce Partnership Career and Technical Education ($130k): Investing in career and technical education programs through the Lane Workforce Partnership, enhancing workforce skills and economic opportunities.
- Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership ($200k): Supporting the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership to assist local manufacturers in improving efficiency and competitiveness.
- Oregon Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN) ($242k): Contributing to the Oregon RAIN network, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Public Health Investments for a Healthier Lane County
ARPA funds are also strategically invested in public health initiatives, totaling $8.5 million, to enhance community well-being and access to healthcare:
- Lane County Stabilization Center Facility Development & Services ($7M): A significant investment in the development and operation of the Lane County Stabilization Center, providing crucial behavioral health crisis services.
- South Lane Community Health Clinic Development ($250k): Supporting the development of the South Lane Community Health Clinic, expanding access to primary healthcare services in Cottage Grove.
- Public Health Equity and Resiliency Project ($225k*): Addressing health inequities and building community resilience through targeted public health initiatives.
- South Lane Dental Clinic ($20k*): Contributing to dental care access through the South Lane Dental Clinic, addressing an important aspect of overall health.
- Charnelton Clinic Renovation ($846k): Renovating the Charnelton Clinic to modernize facilities and enhance service delivery.
- Youth Suicide Prevention ($165k): Investing in critical youth suicide prevention programs and resources, addressing mental health needs in the community.
Enhancing Public Safety Infrastructure
Public safety is a priority, and $17.5 million in ARPA funds are dedicated to improving infrastructure and technology within Lane County’s public safety sector:
- Lane County Adult Corrections Facility & Technology Upgrade ($17.5M): A substantial investment in upgrading the Lane County Adult Corrections facility and its technology infrastructure, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
COVID Response and Essential Government Services
Reflecting the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and the need for robust government services, $19.7 million in ARPA funds are allocated to these critical areas:
- Youth Services Equity Work ($103k*)
- COVID Expansion Deputy Medical Legal Death Investigator ($371k)
- Sheriff’s Office- Portable UV Disinfecting Lights Equipment ($236k)
- Refrigeration Trailer for Emergency Morgue Capacity ($85k)
- Leased Morgue Space for Refrigeration Trailer ($3k)
- ARP Administration Contract Management ($2.8M)
- Essential Services & Workforce Stabilization ($2.7M)
- Facilities- Capital Project Management for ARPA Funded Projects ($407k)
- H&HS- Administrative Capacity to Respond to Grant Opportunities ($1M)
- HR- COVID-19 Policy Research and Implementation ($105k)
- HR- Workforce Development Talent Acquisition Support ($240k)
- TS- Facilities and Construction Support for New Projects ($413k)
- Lane County Financial Stabilization ($9.7M)
- Courtroom Digital Modernization ($1.1M)
- Countywide Grant Administration Software ($450k)
Investing in Critical Infrastructure
Robust infrastructure is essential for community resilience and growth, and $19.7 million in ARPA funds are allocated to vital infrastructure projects:
- Lane County Parks Water & Sewer Infrastructure ($4.27M): Upgrading water and sewer infrastructure within Lane County Parks, ensuring safe and sustainable park facilities for residents and visitors.
- McKenzie River Valley Water System Replacement ($15.5M): A significant investment (through an OBDD grant) in replacing the McKenzie River Valley water system, crucial for ensuring reliable access to clean water for communities in the region.
*= State of Oregon ARPA Allocation through HB5006 (2021)
