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In 2021, Ottawa County was allocated $57 million in federal American Rescue Act (ARPA) funds. The aid is intended to address the economic impact of the pandemic and ensure a strong and equitable recovery.
After a thorough selection and review process, the proposals listed below were approved by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners on November 22.
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Goal: Address social and health disparities (such as mental health, childcare and early childhood development) exacerbated by the pandemic.
1. Recruitment & Retention for Mental Health Professionals
Who: Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMH) and healthcare partners
What: Accessing mental health care was already an issue locally prior to COVID-19. Post-pandemic, wait times for mental health counseling services can be four to six weeks. This wait is even longer for those in need of a psychiatrist or other practitioner who can prescribe and manage medication. Working with other area health care organizations, CMH will create a fund to hire six to 10 new medical professionals. To select these professionals, CMH will create a practitioner committee made up of CMH, Holland Hospital, PineRest, InterCare and at least one community-based health care provider.
Funded: $1,000,000
2. Children's Advocacy Center Staffing Expansion
Who: Ed and Nancy Hanenburg Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), a nonprofit based in Holland, which addresses and assists with child sexual abuse cases
What: Because of the pandemic, CAC has a large backlog of cases. These funds will allow the organization to hire more staff to increase their capacity, allowing them to serve more children and families who are victims of abuse.
Funded: $211,750
3. Reach for Recovery Staffing Expansion
Who: Reach for Recovery, a nonprofit provider of addiction treatment services, with centers in Holland and Grand Haven
What: Drug overdose deaths have been on the rise nationally, increasing 29% in 2020 and 15% in 2021. Ottawa County lost 29 people to overdoses in 2021. Reach for Recovery accepts all clients, regardless of their ability to pay. These funds will be used to expand its medication assisted treatment program and provide enhanced physical and mental health support for the 160 clients that receive treatment each year.
Funded: $337,500
4. GRCC Direct Care Provider Certification Programs
Who: Nonprofits Benjamin's Hope, Harbor House Ministries, Heritage Homes Inc., and MOKA Corp., organizations which work to improve the lives of and care for those with developmental differences or mental illness, in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College and Community Mental Health
What: Utilize ARPA funds to stabilize and expand the number of local direct service providers by collaboratively piloting a certificate program. Partnering with Grand Rapids Community College and Community Mental Health of Ottawa County, this program would provide training for students to enter the direct care field, specifically serving adults with mental illness and developmental differences. Employing these ARPA funds, these four nonprofit care providers will employ a combined total of 40 eligible participants by sponsoring the cost of the GRCC certification.
Funded:
Benjamin's Hope: $55,919.75
Harbor House Ministries: $103,294
Heritage Homes, Inc.: $103,294
MOKA Corporation: $87,492.25
5. Childcare & Early Childhood Learning Centers Expansion
Who: Outdoor Discovery Center Network (ODC), the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, and local businesses
What: There is a crucial need for more childcare in Ottawa County. The Michigan League for Public Policy reports Ottawa has "low capacity," meaning there are 1.9 kids per available childcare slot, and more programs for the 0-5 age group are needed. Alongside its conservation and restoration work, ODC operates three early childhood education program sites. Nearly 400 children receive preschool instruction, wrap-around care services and full-time child care. ARPA funds will enable the ODC Network to reduce the local gap in child care capacity by 10% over the next three years. To do so, it will work with its partners to create 1,000 additional child care spots across the county by utilizing local employer sites. ODC plans to accomplish this through a coalition of partners including the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and local businesses.
Funded: $7,500,000 conditionally, per the review of federal guidelines
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Goal: Create programs for businesses of all sizes hurt by the pandemic and provide workforce training that addresses current and future needs of area employers and employees.
6. GRCC Michigan Reconnect Expansion
Who: Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC)
What: GRCC will utilize ARPA funds to expand the reach of the Michigan Reconnect Program for low-income residents, allowing them to earn post-secondary credentials, such as certificates or degrees. The current Michigan Reconnect Program covers tuition for those 25 and older without a college degree at the resident tuition rate. Because otherwise eligible Ottawa County residents are technically out of district, fees will not be covered in full, keeping many from participating. These ARPA funds will be used to bridge this funding gap, and allow GRCC to conduct outreach and recruitment for the expanded program.
Funded: $506,493
7. West Michigan Works! Earn & Learn Manufacturing Career Fair
Who: West Michigan Works! brings federal and state programs to the region, with the goal of preparing a skilled workforce
What: Utilizing ARPA funds, the agency will organize a county-wide event for local employers to share information about career opportunities, open entry-level positions, tuition reimbursement programs, apprenticeship opportunities and career paths for high school seniors. The program will run in perpetuity via employer contributions after the first year's transportation, marketing and operational costs are supported by ARPA funding.
Funded: $101,874 conditionally, per the review of federal guidelines
8. BizStream Academy Expansion
Who: BizStream Academy, a nonprofit that offers web development and coding classes
What: Each summer, BizStream Academy offers several sessions introducing students to web development. Interest in the classes have continued to outpace available seats. With ARPA funding, BizStream Academy can grow, addressing current and future needs for skilled workers in computer science and technology fields by expanding its web development and coding offerings, providing scholarships, equipment, and in the future, traveling to locations
convenient for students. It will also enable them to incorporate funding and contractual income from employer partners for long-term sustainability.
Funded: $700,000 conditionally, per the review of federal guidelines
9. LAUP Workforce Development Initiative
Who: Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP), a Holland-based nonprofit that strives to help Latinos reach their highest potential academically, financially, and socially
What: LAUP's adult programs have historically focused on basic adult education such as GED, computer literacy, citizenship and English Second Language classes. With ARPA funds, LAUP will collaborate with other organizations and educational partners to create a Workforce Development Initiative. This program will strive to increase the upward mobility and economic stability of underserved and lower-income residents. With expanded capacity, LAUP will tailor classes to the needs of the local workforce and area employers.
Funded: $799,000
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Goal: Develop and deploy solutions to the critical shortage of affordable housing.
10. Affordable Housing Revolving Loan Fund
Who: Housing Next, a pilot program of the Greater Ottawa County United Way, which works with with local governments, developers and nonprofits to create affordable housing, in partnership with Ottawa County
What: Housing Next has developed a plan to address affordable housing needs by having the County grant $8 million in ARPA funds to a designed and qualified Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), which will operate and administer the fund. The selected CDFI will use the ARPA funds to provide low-interest loans for affordable housing projects.
Funded: $10,000,000
The following two additional affordable housing projects were approved by the Board of Commissioners in August of 2022 with contingencies:
11. First Hope at 10th Street Apartments
Who: Dwelling Place, a 501c3 nonprofit developer and property manager, in partnership with Hope Church and First United Methodist Church
What: This project will create 46 new affordable rental units in downtown Holland, closing gaps for the local workforce who serve downtown Holland but cannot afford to live there. Thirty-five of the 46 units will serve single adults and/or families earning 40%-60% of the county annual median income ($26,000 per year for a single individual, up to $56,000 for a family of four). Eleven will be reserved for adults with disabilities who are unable to work full-time.
Funded: $2,000,000 contingent upon receiving a state housing tax credit
12. Samaritas Affordable Living of Spring Lake
Who: Samaritas, an affordable living nonprofit, in partnership with Pinnacle Construction and Chesapeake Community Partners
What: A 53-unit affordable housing development in the Village of Spring Lake for low-income families, couples, seniors, with eight reserved for those with special needs or other disabilities,
and eight reserved for members or descendants of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Rents will set by MSHDA standards at a range of 30%-80% of the annual median income for Ottawa County.
Funded: $1,500,000 contingent upon receiving a state housing tax credit
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Goal: Enhance the delivery of cost-effective, impactful public services which support the needs of residents and businesses.
13. Juvenile Court Youth & Parent Portal
Who: 20th Judicial Circuit Court, which handles a variety of criminal, civil, family, juvenile and appellate cases
What: ARPA funds would be used to build a publicly accessible youth and parent portal to handle Juvenile Court cases. Individuals involved with the Juvenile Court will be able to access court, programmatic, and pertinent information related to their case online.
Funded: $20,000
14. Public Meeting Technology for Clerk & Board of Commissioners
Who: Ottawa County Clerk/Register of Deeds
What: These funds would be used to purchase a digital electronic voting system. This application will allow the Board of Commissioners to perform roll call electronically, vote electronically, and access digital agendas all in one place. This app will provide added transparency and improve ease of access for board members, County employees who assist the Board, and the general public.
Funded: $100,000
15. Department of Health & Human Services Roof Repair
Who: Ottawa County Facilities Maintenance Department
What: These funds would be used to repair the roof of the County Department of Health and Human Services Building in Holland Township. Repairing the deteriorating rubber roof now will save the County money in the long-term.
Funded: $350,000
16. Sheriff's Shooting Range HVAC System Upgrade
Who: Ottawa County Facilities Maintenance Department
What: These ARPA funds will be used to install a modern HVAC system at the Sheriff Department's indoor shooting range and training facility. The building was constructed without air conditioning. To provide necessary ventilation during the summer months, exhaust fans are used, which causes condensation on the cooler cement floor, creating dangerously wet and slippery conditions. A modern HVAC system will keep the floors dry by reducing humidity levels,
creating a safer training environment for the County police force.
Funded: $395,000
17. Idema Explorers Trail Projects
Who: Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department
What: The Idema Explorers Trail is a 24-mile non-motorized trail project that will ultimately connect Grand Haven to the Grand Rapids area and beyond. ARPA will be used to complete several shovel-ready sections of the trail:
1. The Bea Idema Eastmanville Legacy Segment, which will link the north side of Allendale Township and Eastmanville Bayou County Park with future Idema trail segments
2. The Stearns Bayou Connector section, which will connect the Sgt. Henry E. Plant Memorial Grand River Bridge Non-Motorized Pathway and Spoonville Trail to the City of Grand Haven
Funded: $2,000,000
18. Middle Macatawa Trail System Projects
Who: Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department
What: The Macatawa Greenway is a network of protected public and private lands that link the southeastern portion of the County to Lake Michigan, generally following the path of the Macatawa River and Lake Macatawa. These funds will be used to link sections of publicly accessible land along the river (including the County's Hawthorn Pond and Upper Macatawa Natural Area and ODC Network’s "Middle Macatawa" preserve properties) with a new, 2.8-mileMiddle Macatawa Trail, and provide modern restrooms at Hawthorn Pond and Upper Macatawa parks.
Funded: 906,000
19. Ottawa Sands Park Improvements
Who: Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department
What: The County purchased Ottawa Sands, a former sand mine, in 2019. In 2021 the Ottawa Sands Master Plan was adopted, and it features several projects designed to restore and open up access to the park and its Grand River Greenway features. ARPA funds will be used to jumpstart Phase I of this Master Plan, which includes accessibility and ecological restoration work. Improvements include building a paved entry drive, and parking; a campground; kayak launch; trail boardwalks; modern restrooms; a 1.6-mile paved loop around the Ottawa Sands Lake; and a connection to the Idema Explorers Trail.
Funded: $3,400,000
20. Crime Victim's Assistance Fund
Who: Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office
What: For many lower-income and disadvantaged individuals in Ottawa County, expenses associated with a crime can quickly mount beyond their ability to pay. Currently the Prosecutor's Office receives state funding for victims who face financial hardships directly related to a crime. However, there is concern this funding will dwindle and may eventually be discontinued. For example, in 2022, the office received $13,398 from the state. All but $378 was spent in the first nine months of the year. For 2023, the County is receiving $11,877. The County Prosecutor's Office plans to use ARPA funds to establish a self-sustaining “Crime Victim Assistance Fund”. These funds will allow the County to provide assistance to victims when other funding sources have been depleted.
Funded: 1,000,000
21. Food Excess into Healthy Food Access Expansion
Who: Ottawa Food and Community Action House
What: Food waste is a massive problem. The USDA estimates more than 30% of food in the U.S. isn't consumed. With approximately 9% of the Ottawa County population listed as 'food insecure' according to a 2019 Feeding America report, Ottawa Food and Community Action House (CAH) teamed up to create Lakeshore Food Rescue (LFR). Currently this collaborative pilot program works with grocery stores, corner markets, restaurants, and farmers to collect and redistribute food to needy Holland-area residents. Ottawa Food and CAH will use ARPA funds to expand the LFR operation countywide. LFR will be able to purchase two new food rescue vehicles, supplies for storing and transporting food, buy and set up an app, and hire three additional staff members to assist in this critical expansion.
Funded: $486,675
22. Medicaid Cost-Based Reimbursements for Public Health
Who: Ottawa County Department of Public Health
What: The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) assists underserved and under-represented adults, children and families with a variety of health-related services. Normally the OCDPH receives reimbursements for providing these services from the state Medicaid Cost Based (CBR) fund. However, due to the pandemic, CBR payments are two years behind. Because of the reduction in services caused by the pandemic, OCDPH is losing $1.5
million in revenue over the next two fiscal years. With these ARPA funds, Public Health will be able to ensure essential health services continue and avoid disruption in services to residents.
Funded: $1,507,178
23. Accelerating Farmland Protection
Who: Ottawa County Agricultural Preservation Board
What: Ottawa County's agriculture industry is a major economic driver, producing more than $506 million in products annually. But development pressures and a lack of new farmers means total farmland acreage is shrinking, having lost 8% from 2012-2017 (Ag Census 2017). The cornerstone of the County's efforts to protect farmland is the Purchase of Development Rights Program (PDR), which has been used to leverage $3.3M to permanently preserve 728 acres of prime farmland. However, interest far outpaces funding. The County has received applications to preserve over 4,500 acres to date. With ARPA funds, PDR efforts can be accelerated, going toward buying conservation easements in priority areas, such as locations known to have groundwater challenges. These additional funds will also enable staff to put more efforts into outreach and education to the seven townships that do not participate in the PDR program.
Funded: $1,000,000
24. Inflation Relief Payment
Who: Ottawa County
What: One-time payment for the 1200 County employees such as law enforcement officers, mental health professionals and other providers of critical county services. This payment was to offset the record inflation measuring 8.2% for the 12 months ending September 2022. Giving employees a one-time payment offers financial relief and facilitates employee loyalty without binding the County to the cost year after year as a wage increase would.
Funded: $5,186,079
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