Kane County Prepares to Close the Books on Federal Pandemic Recovery Funding
Kane County is preparing to close the books on the historic allocation of more than $103 million in federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funds.
The funding was provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law in March of 2021, which provided $350 billion to state and local governments.
Since then, the county has awarded ARPA funds across multiple COVID-19 initiatives in compliance with federal guidelines, deadlines, distribution rules and reporting requirements. Funding decisions were made through an application and approval process involving county staff, an external consultant, an oversight committee, and the County Board. Funds were awarded through contracts, Intergovernmental Agreement(s), and Memorandum of Understandings, and paid by the county based on invoices submitted by award recipients.
Grants were awarded to nonprofit organizations providing services related to mental health, food access, housing, child welfare, and veterans' services. Additional funding was allocated to industries affected by the pandemic, including manufacturing and tourism, to support technical assistance and infrastructure improvements. Funding was also provided to small farms to address financial impacts, support food system capacity and advance farmland preservation efforts along with water quality studies and conservation programs focused on groundwater monitoring and resource protection.
ARPA money was used to for COVID-19 response efforts, behavioral health programs, economic development, public safety, courts, technology and county operations, including equipment replacement, , and service continuity for revenue sources affected by the pandemic.
At the start of 2026, approximately $22.4 million remains to be spent. These funds reflect project savings or unspent awards and will be reallocated within existing agreements as required by law. All funds must be spent by December 31, 2026.
For more information, including ARPA reports, visit: https://www.kanecountyil.gov/ARPA
