Stark communities got more than $116.5 million in ARPA funds. How are they using them?

Stark County communities received more than $116.5 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds, and millions of dollars remain unspent across the county.

Together, Stark County cities netted a total of $98.8 million. Money given to 12 of Stark's 17 townships added up to $16.6 million, and seven of the 12 villages received a combined $1.1 million.

The Canton Repository looked at how 26 Stark County cities, townships and villages are spending their ARPA money and found that water and sewer infrastructure, vehicles and equipment, and police and emergency services were among the most common uses of funds.

The federal government created ARPA to support state, local and tribal governments in their recovery from the pandemic. On the national level, most states have used their funds to replace lost revenue and to fund human service programs, unemployment insurance, economic development, health care, and water and sewer infrastructure, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The agency reported that 32 states have appropriated 80% or more of the funds. Ohio received $5.4 billion, but has appropriated only $2.1 billion (39%) so far.

Meanwhile, the National League of Cities has an ARPA spending tracker that includes data from 327 cities and counties across the U.S. The tracker says these local governments have budgeted about 51% of their funds already.

Governments can use the money to replace lost public sector revenue; support COVID-19 public health response and address economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries and the public sector; provide premium pay to essential workers; or invest in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. They have until the end of 2024 to obligate ARPA dollars and until the end of 2026 to fully spend them.

What communities got the most funds?

Canton received the most of any Stark County community with $63.6 million. That's followed by Massillon with $16.4 million and Alliance with $15.4 million.

Meanwhile, Jackson Township got the most of any local township with $4.2 million, followed by Plain ($3.6 million) and Perry ($2.9 million). Minerva received $380,700 ― the most of any village. Brewster had the second most with $227,000 and Navarre the third with $187,600.

What are Stark County governments spending their money on?

Nine of the26 communities (35%) said they are setting aside some ARPA money for water and sewer infrastructure improvements and drainage projects.

Canal Fulton put about half of its dollars toward a waterline replacement on Market Street; North Canton set aside nearly $650,000 to replace a waterline on Glenwood Street SW; Lawrence Township spent a portion on storm water and culvert replacement; and Massillon plans to use some of its remaining money on storm and sewer-related projects. Additionally, the bulk of APRA funds in Beach City are going toward water and sewer improvements.

Twelve Stark communities (46%) said they have or plan to buy equipment — trucks, mowers, ambulances, etc. — for their fire, road or parks departments. Nimishillen Township plans to purchase an ambulance, Pike Township allocated money to buy a new boom mower and Perry Township spent around $113,500 for two new pickup trucks.

Several areas put money toward police, fire and emergency services.

Jackson Township transferred roughly $86,900 to its police and fire departments for COVID sick leave reimbursement, and Louisville has used some funds on EMS supplies. Perry Township gave $46,000 to its police department and $26,000 to its fire department as bonuses. Meanwhile, Washington Township set aside funds for equipment for its fire department, Navarre made infrastructure improvements to its police department and Tuscarawas Township gave a total of $75,000 to the two fire departments serving the community.

Paving projects were another common expense, with seven communities putting money toward road or paving work.

North Canton used $649,200 of its $1.8 million for a waterline replacement project on Glenwood Street SW and plans to put the majority of its remaining funds toward Wise Avenue reconstruction, East Maple Street paving and the Portage/Charlotte corridor and roundabout projects. About $1 million in Perry Township went to the 2022 paving program, and Nimishillen Township set aside $92,300 for paving. Sugar Creek Township put about $119,000 into chip-and-seal projects.

Alliance spent $1.8 million on paving in 2022 and will likely use a similar amount on the city's 2023 paving program.

Plain, Jackson townships put ARPA funds toward projects for economic development

One of the largest investments of ARPA dollars in the county is Plain Township's plan to build an outdoor amphitheater at Oakwood Square. The township is putting about $2.7 million of its $3.6 million in the project, which will serve as a "hub of activity" to draw in events, performers and visitors in a continued effort to revitalize the area, according to Plain Township Trustee Brook Harless.

She said in an email the amphitheater will be part of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) district. Visitors will be able to buy food and drinks from local restaurants and bring them to the amphitheater, giving a boost to local businesses.

"The new amphitheater is designed to be open and flexible, drawing in all types of events and performances for the community to enjoy. The amenities include gas fire pits, covered shade pavilions, sloped lawn seating and a freestanding restroom," Harless said.

The project, she said, will be completed in summer or fall of 2023.

In Jackson Township, ARPA money will help pay for the development of Schuring Park, which will sit on 40 acres at the former Tam O'Shanter golf course. The park will have 11 soccer and lacrosse fields, shelters and playgrounds. Jackson Township's Fiscal Officer Randy Gonzalez said the park will be an important asset for the township's hotels, restaurants and retailers because it will bring in visitors for soccer and lacrosse tournaments.

Canton gave $3.5 million to Habitat for Humanity of East Central Ohio for affordable housing in southeast Canton.

Aaron Brown, director of neighborhood investment at Habitat, said the funds came at a perfect time, as the need for housing is greater than ever.

"Our applications increased exponentially right after the pandemic," he said.

The money will help Habitat continue to build homes, acquire land and demolish blighted properties. Construction coordinator Allison Harvey said it will also be helpful in light of the rising costs of construction materials and will give Habitat a chance to be more aggressive in acquiring property.

Brown said projects can impact the lives of hundreds to thousands of people living in an area and can span across generations. Still, the agency will continue to need support from volunteers to keep its efforts going throughout the county, he said.

"That need is always going to be there," Brown said.

Many Stark communities still have money to spend

While some communities have committed their money to projects, others are still weighing their options.

Sandy Township, Canton Township and Minerva haven't spent any funds so far, though Canton Township has plans to buy a generator for its administrative building and make improvements to its public meeting room. Officials with Canton Township and Minerva said their communities are still deciding how to spend the money.

Other communities, such as Lawrence and Tuscarawas townships, spent some money, but are still considering what to do with the bulk of it.

The following communities did not return requests from The Repository for information about ARPA spending: Paris Township, Lake Township, Hartville, Lexington Township, Osnaburg Township, Waynesburg, Hills and Dales, Wilmot and East Canton.

Reach Paige at (330) 580-8577 or pmbennett@gannett.com or on Twitter at @paigembenn.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County communities got more than $116.5 million in ARPA money