Statement by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh on Common Council approval Aug. 23 on approximately $23 million in American Rescue Plan Act expenditures
“With action by the Common Council today, more help in responding to COVID-19 is on the way to Syracuse residents. My Administration will move forward on implementation of the third round of American Rescue Plan Act (APRA) investments in Syracuse.
The Syracuse Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) will establish a revolving loan fund to support small businesses, job creation and other economic activity to recover from the pandemic. My Administration will implement a new software system to improve the City’s support for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. We will work with Home HeadQuarters to help people repair and buy homes in the City. We will move forward on multiple water pump station projects and the design and planning for Skaneateles Lake intake pipe extension. Our Fire Department will take next steps toward building a new fire training tower to ensure the safety of our residents and firefighters.
I commend the Council for its review and approval of these investments. Since receiving the first half of federal pandemic relief in early June, the Administration and Council have acted on about two thirds of those funds. We will continue working with the Council to implement our ARPA strategy in the weeks and months ahead.”
