Hillsborough County Allocates American Rescue Plan Dollars for Affordable Housing, Pickleball, and Sheriff’s Office
Hillsborough County’s American Rescue Plan dollars are being put to use in a variety of ways, from affordable housing to pickleball courts. The county commissioners recently approved spending $34 million of the total $285.9 million received from the federal government.
In a series of unanimous votes, the commissioners allocated $24 million for affordable housing, nearly $7 million for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and $3 million for the construction of 36 new outdoor pickleball courts at six county parks. This brings the total spending to $40 million, following previous allocations for road repairs, sewer connections, food programs, fire safety, and hospital expansions.
The federal guidelines allow the funds to replace revenue lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with categories including infrastructure, cybersecurity, health and education services, environmental remediation, and public safety. Commission chairperson Kimberly Overman has been advocating for more funds to be directed towards affordable housing efforts.
The approved funds for affordable housing will be used to acquire and renovate existing properties, with the goal of getting the funds out quickly. Additionally, the county plans to expand its pickleball offerings with the construction of courts at various parks, bringing the total number of courts to 52.
A portion of the funds allocated to the Sheriff’s Office will go towards a mental health pod in the detention center, as well as renovations to offices and buildings, personal protection equipment, and a touchless car wash system. The diverse allocation of funds reflects the county’s efforts to address a range of community needs with the American Rescue Plan dollars.
