93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Boone County commissioners have awarded the final $6.6 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to 19 organizations across the county.
ARPA was signed by President Joe Biden (D) in 2021. The city of Columbia received $25-million in ARPA dollars, while Boone County received $35-million. Boone County commissioners say the pool of applicants for the final dollars were rich in program proposals, making the selection process difficult.
The three Commissioners have awarded $850,000 to Welcome Inn, an 80,000 square feet facility with 142 units near Providence and I-70. New owner Kel Beal spoke on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” in 2023, saying some of the residents who live there are chronically unhoused and have been spending 30, 40 to 50 percent of their income on housing.
Commissioners have also awarded $560,000 to Habitat for Humanity in Columbia, along with $220,000 to the Boone County regional sewer district for sewer infrastructure. Central Missouri Community Action in Columbia has received $750,000 for affordable housing.
