The Sheridan County Commissioners have closed out the $1,020,624 County-based ARPA grant program. With the approval of a $114,233 grant to Gordon Memorial Hospital on February 27 the last of the funds have been committed and no further grants will be considered.
The Federal relief funds were something of surprise to the County back in 2021. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, also called the COVID-19 Stimulus Package or American Rescue Plan, is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed by President Biden. The US Treasury deposited the funds with Sheridan County in two installments, with instructions to allocate the funds to qualified local government operations and businesses impacted by the pandemic. The Commissioners, with the wise counsel of County Attorney Jamian Simmons, and Treasurer Renee Thies, crafted a simple, transparent process for the submission and consideration of grants.
County Officials and Departments, Fire Districts and Health Care Operations applied for and received grants large and small to help address the impact of the pandemic and strengthen the community to respond more effectively to future challenges.
The grants fall into the following categories. Fire and Rescue: $369,415 for new self-contained breathing apparatus for the Gordon, Rushville and Hay Springs Fire departments, and a new compressor and a “jaws of life” device for the Rushville Department.
Courthouse and Jail: $356,311 for HVAC upgrades, security improvements in the Assessor’s and Treasurer’s Offices, and security upgrades in the Jail.
Roads: $175,444 for the purchase of a snowblower. Health Care: $114,233: Gordon Memorial Hospital. Law Enforcement: $5,221 for the purchase of Tasers for the Sheriff’s Department.
The final grant, to Gordon Memorial Hospital, was directed toward the repair and upgrade of the hospital’s single elevator. The elevator has been out of service for some time posing significant challenges for patients and staff seeking access to clinics on the lower level.
The Commissioners wish to thank all those who submitted grant applications and those who assisted in the administration of the program.