City of Lancaster Awards $5 Million in ARPA Funds to Invest in Community Facilities

On Tuesday, April 27, City Council approved a $5 million allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to invest in community facilities serving Lancaster City residents. This investment in 11 projects will support public programs, improve quality of life and public health, create economic opportunity, and promote equitable outcomes for residents.  

“We have the opportunity to make transformational investments in our community facilities that will enhance the quality of life for all residents. By leveraging ARPA funds to support these projects, we can create modern, accessible, and inclusive spaces that reflect our values and goals,” said Mayor Danene Sorace.    

The allocations are as follows:   

Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster – $600,000 to make improvements to their clubhouse spaces.

Bright Side Opportunities Corporation – $500,000 to renovate existing facility. 

Church World Service – $250,000 to create a welcome center for refugees. 

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County – $400,000 to renovate Bridge House and Crispus Attucks Center. 

Lancaster Public Library – $500,000 for new library construction costs. 

Lancaster Recreation Commission – $750,000 for facility expansion to serve recreational and childcare needs.  

SACA Development Corporation (Centro Hispano) – $500,000 for renovations to the Hispanic Community Center to provide human services. 

SACA Development Corporation (Tec Centro) – $500,000 for renovations to existing facility to provide vocational technical training.  

South Ann Concerned Neighbors – $250,000 to build a community hub that will include one affordable housing unit. 

Union Community Care – $500,000 to renovate and expand existing facility to create a dental clinic. 

Uni-Vision Childcare – $250,000 to renovate existing facility to expand Spanish Immersion Center for early education. 

$39.5 million in ARPA funding was allotted to the City of Lancaster in 2021. In September 2021, a public engagement process regarding the use of ARPA funds was launched. Community feedback identified a desire for improved community services in areas like public health, youth support, parks and recreation and more. 

Last November, City Council approved a $7.4 million allocation of ARPA funds to create and preserve affordable housing. The City then sought proposals for projects meant to enhance community facilities.

For all awarding and management of grants, the City of Lancaster follows a strict conflict of interest policy that is publicly available on our website.

Learn more about the City of Lancaster’s American Rescue Plan funds at cityoflancasterpa.gov/arpa.