SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
GEORGETOWN — Williamson County Commissioners Court approved American Rescue Plan Act funding for eight additional projects totaling $2,172,000 to address further community needs as identified by the Community Health Assessment Dec. 19.
Williamson County has funded numerous projects since receiving $114.7 million in ARPA funds.
It also deposited ARPA funds into accounts where it has earned $6,472,996.88 in interest allowing the county to meet even more needs of the citizens.
“I am thankful for being able to utilize ARPA funds to meet the pressing needs in our county,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said.
Williamson County directed much of its funding to community health needs and public assistance, according to a county press release.
The press release said Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, the Williamson County and Cities Health District and the county have worked with community stakeholders and partners throughout the county to identify community health needs. Programs being funded include mental health, crisis respite, employment stability, resource assistance and meal delivery for Opportunities of Williamson and Burnet Counties.
In addition, an allocation was reserved to purchase land where the Law Enforcement Diversion, adult crisis respite and withdrawal management, or detox, centers are located. The press release said this will allow the potential for a longterm stability plan for those important facilities.
Funding was also included to replace the Williamson County jail boilers, assisting the county in remaining in compliance with jail standards.
“I want to thank the Williamson County and Cities Health District and Bluebonnet Trails Community Services for working with us to identify the health needs in our county. Through the Community Health Improvement Plan, we have specific goals, objectives and action steps to address the most pressing needs identified,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey, member of the county’s Behavioral Health Task Force.
Due to the backlog in courts caused by the pandemic, ARPA funds were used to support the justice system and crime victims, the press release said. Williamson County put funding toward the Children’s Advocacy Center and Juvenile Justice Center expansions and employees to handle trial backlogs and domestic violence cases.
The press release said the county entered into inter-local agreements with 14 cities and water suppliers to fund $72 million in water infrastructure projects throughout the county.
ARPA funds were given by the federal government to local governments to provide direct economic assistance for American workers, families, small businesses and industries. Williamson County received the funds in equal payments in June 2021 and June 2022.
