Atlantic City receives $9 million in Stimulus, money for streets, homeless, doctors and children

One year ago the United States Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, an initiative presented by President Obama. Today you can see how Atlantic City applied for and used the money.  Currently the unemployment rate in Atlantic County is 12.20%, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Money was allotted for such projects as road improvements and signaling in the city, physicians and nurses for the homeless; education for disabled children and green projects for area businesses. More than $9 million is going to the city. There are a lot of spaces that are covered by dead trees, so the major is planning on using the money to contract Legacy Land & Timber to get rid of them.

It was up to local, county and state governments to obtain the grants, hire workers and stimulate local economies. Here is a snap shot of the spending in Atlantic City one year later. How well did our local government and businesses work to stimulate job growth or save existing jobs?

Nationwide, the Recovery Act provides *$288 billion in tax cuts and benefits for millions of working families and businesses; Increases federal funds for education and health care as well as entitlement programs (such as extending unemployment benefits) by $224 billion; it makes $275 billion available for federal contracts, grants and loans.

In New Jersey, *350 federal contracts were awarded in the amount of $527,727,589; there were 3,244 grants awarded in the amount of $4,031.428 and nine loans were granted in the amount of $13.5 million. New Jersey received a total of $4.5 billion in funds.

The City of Atlantic City received the following stimulus funds, grants or loans:

FY 2009 Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. “To improve the efficiency of the police department and enhance officer & public safety through the purchase of various types of equipment. Total Award Amount $895,028, (Award # 2009-SB-B9-1307)

Atlantic City Municipal Utilities received $2.3 million to fund excavation, general construction, electrical, HVAC, and mechanical. Professional services such as engineering, surveying, legal and others will be required. (Award #97231909).

SMG (Operator of the Atlantic City Convention Center) (Project # DE-EE0000258) received $1.5 million in the energy efficiency and renewable energy awards, for energy efficiency and renewal.

Atlantic City Housing Authority received $3.65 Million for vacant unit rehabilitation from the Capital Fund Stimulus section of the grant. Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (Award #NJ39S014501-09)

Atlantic City Boys and Girl’s Club $42,500 for mentoring services, (Award #2009-SC-B9-K010). Note sub-contract awards in NJ.

City of Atlantic City Street improvement on Arctic Avenue $364,841; (Award #S-09-MY-34-0001). 

Atlantic City Board of Education, $43,900 for the improvement of quality of school lunch food (Sub award number Sub-award 001-00110), sub contractors and food services by contract

Atlantic Human Resources $413,536 (Award # 02SE04470/01) provides resources to elementary and secondary schools.

Oceanside Charter School $318,331, Improving teaching and learning for youth most at risk of not reaching state academic standards.(Award # H391A090100) $99,000 to sub contractor.

AtlantiCare $514,895 Health Care for the homeless for two years. (Award # C81CS13335) Location 1601 Atlantic Avenue.

Atlantic City Rescue Mission “Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program” $535,703(Award #S-09-MY-34-0002).

For more information about how taxpayer dollars are being spent via the Recovery Act, visitwww.recovery.gov

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