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ARPA Funds Fuel Progress in the Golden Triangle

News Summary

The Golden Triangle region is actively utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to improve infrastructure and public services. Columbus, Lowndes County, Oktibbeha County, Starkville, Clay, and West Point are all making impactful investments. Columbus allocates funds for watershed improvements while Lowndes focuses on safety and internal resources. Oktibbeha is prioritizing road enhancements, and Starkville is earmarking funds for significant water projects. The proactive approach of these communities ensures that they effectively address pressing needs ahead of the deadline.

Updates from the Golden Triangle: ARPA Funds at Work!

The Golden Triangle region is buzzing with activity as cities and counties put their share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to good use before the year-end deadline. Let’s dive into how each area is making a splash with the money that’s aimed at boosting communities and tackling pressing issues.

Columbus: A Watershed of Opportunities

Starting off in Columbus, the city is making headlines with nearly $5.8 million from ARPA funds, and the whole sum has been cleverly allocated. One of the largest investments, totaling $3 million, is directly going to much-needed watershed maintenance and improvements—this includes a handy match from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality that doubles the total to $6 million!

Columbus is also focused on its infrastructure—$1 million has gone to Columbus Light and Water, while $400,000 was spent on replacing a vital culvert at an intersection. To show appreciation for its city workers, the city has allocated $800,000 as bonus pay. There’s a special initiative, too, as $500,000 was initially set aside for fighting blight through property purchases; however, $400,000 was wisely redirected for equipment purchases instead. The city is on a roll, also tapping into $6 million from other federal grants for their blight program, along with a neat $100,000 from ARPA.

Lowndes County: Investing Wisely

Next up, we have Lowndes County, which saw nearly $11.4 million in ARPA funds flow into its coffers. The county has been both thoughtful and strategic, allocating $2.25 million to support various nonprofits, including approximately $500,000 specifically for local festivals via the Convention and Visitors Bureau. With a mission to upgrade and enhance county resources, more than $2.49 million has been spent on essential internal projects like improving the courthouse HVAC system and purchasing a drug testing machine for the Columbus crime lab.

Lowndes County is also focused on public safety, investing in license plate reader cameras for the sheriff’s office and heavy equipment for roadwork. There is an essential allocation of roughly $4.2 million earmarked for water and sewer improvements across various municipalities, ensuring that the infrastructure is ready to serve its residents. The county hired consultants with $400,000 for expert advice on wisely using these funds, and after all allocations are done, over $2 million remains, set aside primarily for salary reimbursements.

Oktibbeha County: Laying Down New Roads

Over in Oktibbeha County, approximately $9.6 million in ARPA funds is being put to work, with $5.8 million already spent. A good chunk, around $5.2 million, is going towards improving roads and bridges, which is crucial for connecting communities and fostering growth. The county has also prioritized public safety with $566,000 set aside for safety enhancements, including upgrades for the Sheriff’s Office. This leaves about $3.8 million available, with planned expenditures that include $1.8 million for continued road improvements and $1.3 million for public health initiatives, keeping the well-being of residents in mind.

Starkville: Making Waves with Water Projects

Meanwhile, Starkville received a whopping $12.8 million through ARPA, including a state match of $6.4 million. The lion’s share, around $10.2 million (with state match included), is devoted to wastewater and waterline projects on Highway 182—an initiative that stands to benefit countless residents. In addition, $2.5 million is earmarked for upgrading downtown water and sewer lines. It’s commendable to note that all of Starkville’s funding efforts have been successfully obligated ahead of schedule, meaning they are on track to deliver improvements without delay.

Clay and West Point: Optimizing Community Life

Over in Clay County, about $3.8 million has been received, with a hefty focus on $3.4 million aimed at vital road construction projects. The remaining funds are wisely allocated for general operations and improvements to roads that have long been in need of attention.

Meanwhile, West Point has accessed approximately $2.4 million, focusing primarily on water and sewer enhancements. Thanks to a state match, their total spending has reached $4.8 million. Notably, leftover funds have been devoted to seeking further federal assistance in Washington D.C., which has successfully yielded between $7 to $8 million for essential infrastructure projects. The city remains proactive as they make minor sewer improvements to ensure timely allocation before it all wraps up for the year.

In summary, the Golden Triangle area is buzzing with community-driven initiatives, all thanks to the innovative use of ARPA funding. All the cities and counties are stepping up to the plate, ensuring that every dollar is spent or allocated by the looming year-end deadline. It’s all hands on deck as they work tirelessly to make their communities a better place for all!