ALBANY COUNTY — Community development and not-for-profit support groups can now apply to the county for federal pandemic funds.

The application process opened on Tuesday for Albany County’s second round of funds, totalling $8.3 million, from the American Rescue Plan Act, known as ARPA.

It includes $1.5 million in funding for the financial recovery of not-for-profits that were negatively impacted by the pandemic, as well as $6.8 million for new community development initiatives, according to a release from the county.

The $1.5 million recovery grant program offers one-time grant funding infusions in amounts that range from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the organization’s size.

The $6.8 Community Development Grant Program will provide funding for new or expanded initiatives identified as priorities.   

The $6.8 million Community Development Grant program will accept applications for these amounts in each of eight areas:

— $1,500,000 for behavioral health, substance abuse, and telehealth;

— $1,500,000 for affordable housing and housing programs and support;

— $1,100,000 for recreational and outdoor infrastructure;

— $1,100,000 for food access;

— $700,000 for preventing and responding to violence; and

— $300,000 each for youth services, senior services, and transportation services.

“While Albany County continues to come back stronger than ever in the aftermath of COVID-19, the pandemic has shined a light on health, economic, and social inequities that have existed for generations,” said County Executive Daniel McCoy in the Tuesday release. “This $8.3 million in ARPA funding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a profound impact on our entire county and particularly our underserved communities.”

Interested applicants should visit the Albany County ARPA web portal at AlbanyCountyARPA.org for more information and to apply. Physical copies of the applications will be available at the County Office Building located at 112 State Street in Albany.

Community Development and Non-Profit Recovery grant applications are due on Jan. 5, 2024, unless otherwise noted.

The first $5.25 million round of grants focused on economic recovery, including workforce development and job training, small-business support, and arts and tourism organizations. Together, economic recovery grants and community development grants represent more than $13 million in ARPA funds that Albany County is investing in the community.

ARPA funds must be obligated no later than Dec. 31, 2024, and fully expended by Dec. 31, 2026. Funds that are not fully spent by Dec. 31, 2026 are required to be returned to the United States Treasury.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer