RESOLUTION NO. 236
AUTHORIZING THE DISBURSEMENT OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING TO AND AN AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTHEASTERN ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND AT ALBANY, INC. AND AMENDING THE 2024 ALBANY COUNTY BUDGET
Introduced: 4/8/24
By ARPA Executive Committee:
WHEREAS, The County of Albany received $29.6 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) which may be used for various projects and programs within the County to help mitigate the long-term effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and
WHEREAS, The Albany County Legislature created the ARPA Executive Committee and its various Subcommittees to determine how these funds should be distributed and to review applications for these monies, and
WHEREAS, The ARPA Executive Committee and its various Subcommittees have worked tirelessly over the last year in order to establish guidelines that will assist them in reviewing and evaluating the numerous applications they will receive, and
WHEREAS, The ARPA Executive Committee, having evaluated numerous proposals, has requested authorization to disburse ARPA funding in the amount of $50,000 to and enter into an agreement with the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, Inc. (NABA) for a term commencing April 8, 2024, and ending December 31, 2026, and
WHEREAS, NABA was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in limitations to direct service delivery and a decline in manufacturing sales to individuals who are blind or visually-impaired, and
WHEREAS, NABA seeks funding to invest in essential equipment, technology, and infrastructure necessary for the organization's long-term sustainability and continued provision of vital programs and services, and
WHEREAS, This funding will support the organization's workforce, which consists of over 87% Albany County residents, as well as enable blind and visually-impaired individuals to access programs and services that foster independence, employment opportunities, and social inclusion, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the Albany County Legislature that the County Executive is authorized to disburse ARPA funding in the amount of $50,000 to and enter into an agreement with the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, Inc., Albany, New York 12206 regarding Community Development Nonprofit Recovery activities for a term commencing April 8, 2024 and ending December 31, 2026, and, be it further
RESOLVED, By the Albany County Legislature that the 2024 Albany County Budget is hereby amended as follows:
Increase Revenue Account CM.4.3615B.04089Z.ARP24 by $50,000
Increase Appropriation Account CM.9.3615B.44046Z.ARP24 by $50,000 by increasing Line Item 44046Z.ARP24 by $50,000
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the County Attorney is authorized to approve said agreement as to form and content, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the County Legislature is directed to forward certified copies of this resolution to the appropriate County Officials.
Referred to ARPA Executive Committee - 4/8/24