Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds

Article Summary: Will County has expended 61% of its $134 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with significant investments made in infrastructure, health, and economic development. Officials reported that over $81.2 million has been spent, with the remaining balance to be fully allocated by the end of 2026.

ARPA Program Key Points:

• Over $81.2 million of the $134 million total award has been spent as of June 30, 2025.

• Infrastructure projects account for the largest allocation at $47.5 million, with 31% expended so far due to ongoing construction.

• Funds have supported over 200 subrecipients, including municipalities, non-profits, and park and library districts.

• All funds must be fully expended by the federal deadline of December 31, 2026.

JOLIET, IL – Will County has spent just over 61% of its $134 million federal pandemic relief allocation, with a little over a year and a half remaining before the program’s spending deadline, officials reported to the County Board Executive Committee on Thursday.

Anna Sitton of Accenture, the firm managing the county’s ARPA program, presented an annual update showing that $81.2 million had been expended as of June 30, 2025. The funds, authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, have been distributed across more than 200 subrecipients, including local governments, non-profits, and special districts, through a framework of six pillars established by the county.

The largest portion of the funding, $47.5 million, was allocated to infrastructure. Sitton noted that the 31% expenditure rate in this category is expected to rise sharply, as many capital projects are still underway. “We’re anticipating that 60% of all infrastructure projects will be complete by the end of this year,” Sitton said, adding that an “influx of spending” would be reflected in reports for the final two quarters of 2025.

Recent completions include the Tinley Park Post 13 Lift Station project, which installed a new control system and backup generator to ensure reliable sewer service, and work by the Manhattan Fire Department to establish water and sewer infrastructure for its new safety complex.

Other pillars show higher expenditure rates. The Revenue Replacement category is 92% spent, while Economic Development and Unmet Needs are at 84% and 87%, respectively. The $6.16 million Administration pillar, which includes the cost of managing the program, is 82% spent. Sitton confirmed for board members that the allocated administration amount is the final topline number.

The Health pillar, at 57% expended, funds ongoing staffing and operations for healthcare partners, resulting in a “steady tick up of expenditures on a month-to-month basis,” Sitton explained. Highlights from this category include Silver Cross Hospital expending its full $737,500 award to help renovate its new healthcare facility in Crest Hill, which opened in June. The United Way of Will County’s MAPP Food for All Program, which supports five partners to combat food insecurity, has a remaining balance of about $173,000 from its original $779,805 allocation.

During questions, board member Judy Ogalla inquired about the “Heroes” scholarship program, which dedicated $10 million to be split between Joliet Junior College, University of St. Francis, Lewis University, and Governors State University. The funds provide scholarships of up to $5,000 per year for students pursuing degrees in healthcare and education.

“JJC has expended their funds, so they have successfully completed their program, and we’re working with the four-year institutions on expenditure through the end of 2026,” Sitton reported, offering to provide a detailed breakdown of student participation numbers to the board.

The final deadline for all ARPA funds to be expended is December 31, 2026, with a final report due to the federal government in April 2027.