Photo by Jason Benavides

April 4. The Town of Cornelius will receive $9.6 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The purpose of these funds is to help communities respond to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by improving, assisting, and serving our community.

How best to spend it? The town is conducting a survey now, through April 15. Click here for more info and to complete the survey.

Thus far, the most notable request has come from the Smithville Community Coalition, which is seeking some $ 6.8 million to redevelop the historically Black community just east of I-77 on both sides of Catawba Avenue.

Public comments regarding ARP can also be made at any Town Board meeting, including via email to members of the Town Board and the mayor.

All told, the plan will deliver some $1.9 trillion across the country to support responses to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency.