By Randy Partington
County Connections
Reno County used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to create an opportunity to shape the future. Guided by residents’ voices, commissioners focused on projects that would spark transformation and build a stronger community for years to come.
In 2021, the United States Treasury allocated $12,042,385 in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds as part of ARPA funds. These dollars were designed to help local governments respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while also investing in long-term strategies that build stronger, more resilient communities.
From the outset, Reno County adopted a community-driven approach based on work completed by the Hutchinson Community Foundation that included public meetings and gathering input from more than 500 residents. Citizens identified key priorities, including childcare, housing, healthcare access, broadband, small business support, and quality of life improvements. The county listened closely to this feedback and committed to using these funds transparently and responsibly, with dashboards and reporting structures to track progress.
One of the largest and most visible areas of investment has been in childcare and early childhood services. The pandemic highlighted severe shortages of childcare options, and many providers struggled financially. Reno County, in partnership with the United Way of Reno County, dedicated millions of dollars toward stabilizing existing providers and expanding capacity. This included childcare retention grants to help licensed providers stay open, infant care incentives to offset higher costs of caring for babies, and funding for workforce development in the childcare sector. These efforts are designed not only to address immediate needs but also to create a stronger foundation for families and employers who depend on reliable childcare. The new Kids Collective is partially funded by the county’s ARPA dollars and is expected to be a game-changer for childcare in Reno County.
Housing was another major focus area. Reno County contracted with South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) and Interfaith Housing to improve housing renovations. Programs like “Brush Up Reno” were funded to repair and revitalize homes for residents, with hundreds of projects completed. The aim was to improve quality of life, reduce blight, and ensure that stable housing was accessible to more residents. By using ARPA funds for both direct improvements and partnerships with housing organizations, the county tackled long-standing housing challenges that worsened during the pandemic. The county’s ARPA funds were essential to help cover a large portion of the costs to demolish the former St. Elizabeth’s hospital in Hutchinson.
As of now, Reno County has obligated nearly all of its ARPA allocation, though not all funds have been fully spent. Federal guidelines required that all funds be obligated by the end of 2024 and fully spent by the end of 2026. This timeline ensures that projects are advancing but also leaves room for adjustments if community needs shift. The county has acknowledged that while ARPA has provided a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in childcare, housing, and infrastructure, sustaining these programs after ARPA dollars are spent will require community collaboration.
Summary of ARPA Allocations
•Childcare Grant Program (United Way) = $4,500,000
•Housing (Interfaith Housing) = $4,000,000
•Housing (SCKEDD) = $500,000
•Industrial Park Development (Chamber) = $1,200,000
•Expansion of Nursing Program Supplies (Hutchinson Community College) = $200,000
•Arlington EMS Station (Reno County EMS) = $483,028.50
•Haven EMS Equipment = $11,856.50
•Brush Trucks (Hutchinson Fire Department) = $440,000
•Pretty Prairie EMS Station assistance = $37,500
•Reno County Emergency Management capital and equipment = $183,000
•Reno County Sheriff’s Office emergency response vehicle = $50,000
•Reno County EMS Building (5th Avenue in Hutchinson) = $300,000
•Administrative expenses (iParametrics) = $137,000
Reno County’s use of ARPA funds reflects a balance between immediate pandemic response and long-term investment. By prioritizing childcare, housing, infrastructure, and economic development, the county is addressing urgent needs while laying groundwork for future growth. With transparency measures in place and community input guiding decisions, Reno County has positioned its ARPA investments as both a lifeline during the pandemic and a catalyst for lasting improvement. View Reno County’s webpage (https://www.renocountyks.gov/ARPA–American-Rescue-Plan) to view a map of projects funded by the county’s ARPA funds.
Randy Partington is the Reno County Administrator. He can be reached at randy.partington@renocountyks.gov.