$88M Payment From American Rescue Plan Arrives In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — NOTE: This article has been updated with new forum dates set by the city.

Newark just got $88.3 million from the federal government to help it recover from the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced Wednesday – and more is on the way.

The funds are part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan relief package, passed earlier this year.

In all, the City of Newark will receive $182,647,351 under the American Rescue Plan, according to figures previously released by U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez. Read More: See What Each NJ Town Is Getting From COVID Relief Law

In Newark, the first wave of federal funds will be used to “stabilize the city’s finances due to lost revenue,” and aid residents and small businesses that have suffered during the pandemic, Mayor Ras Baraka said.

The city will also prioritize homelessness, affordable housing and economic/food insecurity with the funds, Baraka stated.

Newark is getting the most overall aid out of any city or town in Essex County from the American Rescue Plan. The next-highest totals are East Orange, which is getting $36.71 million, and Irvington, which is getting $29.14 million.

“I thank President Biden and Vice President Harris on their commitment to Newark’s recovery and prosperity,” Baraka said.

“This is the latest step by the federal government in supporting our economic recovery from the stress and damage of COVID-19,” Baraka added. “We will put these funds in the hands of the people of our city, to provide relief and empower them with the financial tools they need to restart our economy.”

Newark officials plan to hold a series of virtual community meetings on the city’s Facebook page to discuss more specific details about how the funds will be spent. They’re set for the following dates:

• Tuesday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, June 3 at noon

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