Baltimore County to use $60 million in federal aid for social programs, affordable housing, public safety

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. announced Wednesday that he wants to spend $80 million in American Rescue Plan funding to support the county’s coronavirus health response and put another $60 million toward bolstering economic recovery, public safety and social support systems — including millions to expand affordable housing and to roll out a firearms discharge detection system.

It’s the first time the county has publicly announced its priorities for the $160.7 million in federal coronavirus aid passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in March. The funding has fewer restrictions than prior government recovery programs, giving jurisdictions more flexibility over how it’s spent. Eligible uses include public health, supplementing lost revenue and infrastructure projects dealing with water, sewer and broadband.

The money must be spent over the next four years. The $160 million was approved as part of Olszewski’s fiscal 2022 budget, but County Council will have some oversight for parts of Olszewski’s plan, including approval of service agreements, contracts and grants.

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Source: Baltimore Sun