By Bonita Wilborn SCOTTSBORO- In response to the economic crises that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021 the Biden administration implemented the American Rescue Plan Act. Jackson County received $10,027,745 in funds from this plan. The funds must be obligated by December 24, 2024, and must be spent by December of 2026. One of the biggest projects the county will undertake with its ARPA funds is to renovate a 19,000 square foot building located on Liberty Lane that has been vacant for about five years, where DHR was once housed. After the renovation, the following offices will be housed there: revenue commission, mapping and appraisal, probate judge, Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office, Community Action Agency and driver’s license testing. The offices are currently located in the courthouse and at a county building located on Highway 72. The building is in really good shape and it is in a good location in terms of accessibility The commission expects to award the $2 million contract for renovation of the building in February. There are 125 parking spaces at this location. The commission office, Veteran’s Affairs, the sheriff’s office and the board of registrars will remain in the courthouse, along with the courts of Jackson County. ARPA funds will also be used to pay for several projects that will improve the Jackson County Jail facility. The building is in need of a new HVAC system. The funds will also be used to purchase a new body scanner that can detect and prevent drugs and other items from coming into the jail illegally. Additionl, ARPA funds will be used to purchase new laptops for patrol cars. The estimated cost of these projects is $1.7 million.
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