The Kenai City Council unanimously enacted an ordinance that would accept and appropriate an American Rescue Plan Act grant passed through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services for Kenai Senior Center expenditures in support of its response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law to provide additional support services to older adults and people with disabilities in the community affected by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. In Alaska, the state Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Senior and Disabilities Services received ARPA funds to provide additional support for costs incurred due to the increased demand for services due to impacts on elders and care provider services.
Kathy Romain, Senior Center Director, told the council that the center is a current grantee under the state’s Title III Nutrition, Transportation, and Services Program and has been awarded an amendment of $45,721.74:
“We get a yearly grant from the State of Alaska. It’s usually over $200-and-some thousand that we get. I believe this year it was in the $230s. We knew that they would have ARPA funds in addition to that that would be coming. We knew that last fall. They just made that clear to us earlier this month that it was the $45,000 increase. That’s what that is. We spend this through June 30th, we have to spend it.”
In support of the ordinance, Council Member Teea Winger said:
“I know this will go a long way for all the seniors you’re servicing. I know with COVID with everybody being homebound, you guys did see more meals delivered, which means more expense, more wear and tear on our vehicles and with the increase of people, this will help make sure that you guys can continue to provide the amazing services you give them.”
Romain writes to the council that these funds will be used to provide additional operating supplies for home and congregate meals.
The ordinance was unanimously enacted.