In response to and in order to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Camden has developed an ARPA Funding Plan which calls for significant investments citywide that support long-term growth and opportunity for all residents. Some highlights include $11 million in PFAS and well upgrades to remove PFAS contaminants and improve access to clean drinking water, $1 million in supplemental investments to support vital wastewater and storm water infrastructure, up to $5 million to fund the removal of illegally dumped soil along Chestnut Street, and $1.5 million in premium pay which was provided to essential employees who bear the greatest health risks by working during the pandemic.
“The funds from the American Rescue Plan has provided the city with an opportunity to help sectors of the population that have historically been left behind when it comes to funding,” Young said. “The Mayor and his administration have mapped out a plan that we, the Board of Commissioners, believe will benefit our overall community.”
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021 to provide funding for COVID-19 response and recovery. Within the ARPA, the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Local Fiscal Recovery Funds) allocates funding for all counties and municipalities in the State of New Jersey. New Jersey municipalities and counties have been allocated $3.6 billion in Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.