WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. – To assist with the negative economic impacts from the COVID pandemic, Winnebago County received in total approximately $55 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP). The County has determined that a portion of the award, $1 million, will be used for various Chairman's Initiative projects, where each Board Member received $50,000 for their respective districts. Funding can be disbursed as Board Members see fit as long as projects are ARP compliant, reviewed by the external auditor and approved by the County Board.
The County Board approved Phases 2 and 3 of the initiative, bringing thirteen (13) more projects to fruition in Winnebago County. Projects include:
- Upgrades at several Boys & Girls Clubs
- Improvements to Winnebago County Fairgrounds
- Drone equipment and training for the Sheriff's Office
- Investment into Rockford's Midtown District
- Maintenance at the Rockton Township – Greater Rockton Center
- New fire station for North Park Fire Protection District
- Performing arts program for Youth Against Violence Organization
- Renovation of the downtown district in the Village of Durand
- Replacing turnout gear for West Suburban Fire Department
- Professional supplies for Salon Experience, Inc.
- Reopening costs at the Lynx Golf Course in the Village of Winnebago
- Enhanced traffic-calming/road signs in the City of Rockford
"The goal of these initiatives is to not only create economic impact, but give affected organizations the chance to rebuild post-Pandemic," said Chairman Joseph Chiarelli. "I'm proud of the diverse range of recipients selected by our board members and I look forward to the prosperity it will bring to our region."
Phase 1 of the Chairman's Initiatives was approved by the County Board on July 28, 2022 for a total of twenty-nine (29) projects and organizations to receive ARP funding. Projects in the first group of funding include:
- Ambulance for Cherry Valley Fire Protection District
- Feasibility study for the multi-use Perryville Path in the City of Loves Park
- Ring Doorbell program in partnership with the Sheriff's Office
- Supporting entrepreneurs through the EIGERlab in downtown Rockford
- Operational supplies at El Barrio Community Center in Rockford
- Strengthening membership with the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership (GRGP)
- New Cardiac Monitor for the New Milford Fire Protection District
- Food donations for the Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Urban Response Vehicle for the Northwest Fire Protection District
- Garden beds at Patriot's Gateway in Rockford
- Mural and sculpture installations with the Rockford Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau
- Campus upgrades at RVC through the Rock Valley College Foundation
- Rehabilitation of the Roscoe Township Historical Society
- Operating costs for the Sounds of Good News & "YES" Club in Rockford
- Mobile food refrigeration trailer for the Salvation Army
Allocation amounts and Board Member participation may vary by end of the program. A more detailed list of the projects can be found here: