January 27th, 2023
Grants available from American Rescue Plan Act funds
As part of his Bring Monroe Back initiative, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello extended the deadline for fire protection and emergency service providers to apply for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help agencies recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The county currently has a Request for Proposal (RFP) with a January 31, 2023 deadline. That deadline is now extended to February 10.
“Public safety is a key priority of this administration. Fire and EMS service providers were hard hit during the pandemic with staffing shortages, equipment issues, medical and administrative costs incurred while struggling to maintain services,” said County Executive Bello. “These grants will help agencies recruit and retain staff and improve their service. Our frontline fire and EMS providers were there when we needed them during the pandemic. This RFP will help them retool and plan for the future.”
The RFP submissions must follow ARPA guidelines, which include:
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Workforce development
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Supporting and retaining public sector workers
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Effective Service Delivery to improve the efficacy of public health
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Medical Expenses
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COVID-19 mitigation and prevention
"As the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, the safety of our community and support for all first responders is my number one priority," said Deputy Majority Leader Paul Dondorfer. "Since the moment Monroe County received its American Rescue Plan dollars, Republican Legislators immediately called for a significant portion to be allocated to our EMS and Fire Agencies who have fought through staffing shortages, revenue shortfalls and other impacts of COVID-19. Today's announcement will ensure that all those agencies who need additional aid will have it soon. I look forward to getting these important dollars to our brave public servants who dedicate their lives every day for our betterment — they need and deserve our support."
“Ensuring Monroe County residents receive our fair share of resources, including funding to fully recover from the global crisis, is critical,” said Monroe County Legislator John Baynes. “Providing our vital industries and, most importantly, workers with the equipment and resources they desperately need, is a top priority for me and my colleagues in government. I’m proud to support this initiative to keep moving Monroe County – OUR County – forward.”
Eligible agencies include fire protection services such as independent fire districts, fire protection districts, and/or municipal and incorporated fire departments, as well as certified ambulance and advanced life support first response services. The RFP application and ARPA guidelines can be found here: https://webapps.monroecounty.gov/bid/list/rfps.
