SSMMA Newsletter July 30, 2021

July 30, 2021

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News from SSMMA

Cook County's American Rescue Plan Act Outreach Survey

Under the American Rescue Plan Act, Cook County will directly receive nearly $1 billion from the federal government. Cook County is currently developing a spending plan to ensure that immediate recovery needs and long-term initiatives are both addressed and met.

Municipalities in Cook County with populations over 50,000 will receive direct funds from ARPA while the State of Illinois will distribute funds to those with less than 50,000 residents.

Cook County needs your help! By completing Cook County's ARPA survey residents can offer input and feedback on how the $1 billion should be spent.

Municipal leaders throughout the Southland are highly encouraged to participate in the surveys to provide direct feedback on initiatives and projects that could benefit their communities.

Residents who would like to provide more in-depth ideas and input are encouraged to complete a wiki survey. The deadline for all submissions is Friday, August 6, 2021.

Find more information here.

COVID-19 News

State and Local COVID-19 Information

• Illinois Department of Public Health is now following the latest CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated people.

• The Cook County Department of Public Health has issued new guidance for masks in Suburban Cook County schools.

• Cook County Department of Public Health offers resources and guidance for businesses under Phase 5 of Restore Illinois.

Funding Resources

• The National Endowment for the Arts is offering two programs to distribute $135 million under the American Rescue Plan. Funds are available for nonprofits and local agencies that focus on the culture and arts sectors. The deadline is August 12th. Learn more and apply.

Housing Resources

• The tenant-led application period for the Illinois Rental Payment Program is now closed.

• Applications started by tenants prior to the July 18th deadline will remain accessible. Landlords can complete applications until August 15, 2021.

• Find more information about COVID-19 rental assistance here.

SSMMA Covid-19 Dashboard

• The SSMMA COVID-19 Tracking Dashboard provides the latest information on vaccination plans, COVID-19 testing, and in-depth metrics and data for Cook and Will County.

• Suburban Cook and Will County have a seven-day regional positivity rate of 3.4%.

Community Vaccination Information

• South Suburban College is now offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at their COVID-19 testing drive-thru.

• Will County Community Health Clinic is offering free school physicals with vaccination for youth age 12+. Walk-ins are welcome. Schedule online or call 815-727-8670.

• The Illinois Department of Public Health is offering free child care while parents receive their vaccinations at various locations.

• Read the latest CCDPH vaccine data for Suburban Cook.

• Information for vaccination events can be found on the My Shot Cook County website.

• Organizations and community groups interested in hosting a vaccine clinic can submit a request online.

News from our Community Partners

• Congratulations to recipients of the 2021 ComEd grants! Richton Park Fire Department and Chicago Heights Police were awarded the Powering Safe Communities grant. Homewood Science Center was also awarded Powering the Arts grant. Learn more.

• The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) is now accepting applications for the Green Infrastructure Partnership Program until September 6th. Learn more.

• MWRD is also developing a Phosphorus Assessment and Reduction Plan (PARP) to help improve the water quality of Chicago area waterways which will also benefit surrounding communities. Residents are encouraged to participate in a survey to provide additional information for this study.

• The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting applications for two funding opportunities: the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program and the federal Land & Water Conservation Fund program. Applications are due by September 1st. Learn more.

• The National Aging and Disabilty Transportation Center is offering an Equity and Accessibility Transportation Planning Grant Program. Grant applicants should focus on transportation projects for COVID-19 recovery and addressing the transportation needs of older diverse and disabled adults. A mandatory letter of intent is due by August 6th and the application deadline is August 27th. Learn more.

• The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $16.3 million in grant funding for projects that help lift communities out of poverty by providing transit services improvements in under-served communities. The Application deadline is August 30th. Learn more.

• Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), in partnership with the South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association, is asking residents and municipal members to participate in a survey to gather data on flooding in the south suburbs. Learn more.

• The Chicago Community Trust has opened the Our Great Rivers RFP. They are looking for projects that promote environmental and human health. Letter of interest submissions are due on August 20th. For more details, register for the information sessions held on August 4th or August 11th. The Land & Water Conservation Fund program funds acquisition of land only. 50% matching funds are required for both programs, but distressed communities can match 10% for OSLAD.

• The Chicagoland Regional College Program is offering its students the opportunity to work at UPS-Hodgkins while receiving paid, part-time college tuition. Students are also eligible to receive a bonus of up to $500. Learn more.

• Pace Suburban Bus is asking the public to provide feedback on a draft of their new strategic vision plan, Driving Innovation. Feedback and comments will be accepted until August 20th. Learn more.

• The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau is hosting a blood drive on September 2nd from 1:00-6:00pm. Register here.

SPC News

NWMC Auction Update

Thank you to Lincolnshire, Palatine, Park Forest, Skokie, Thornton, and Tinley Park, for participating in Tuesday's NWMC Surplus Vehicle and Equipment Auction. As a reminder, the last live auction for the year is scheduled for Tuesday, October 19th. Members can also sell vehicles and equipment via America Auto Auctions online service.

In addition, America's Auto Auction hosts online sales on par with other government surplus Internet auctions. For questions or additional information, please contact staff or email Berry Ellis, or call 312-371-5993.

SPC Approves 2022 Vehicle Contract Extensions

The Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Governing Board is pleased to announce the following contract extensions on 2022 vehicles with Currie Motors and Currie Motors Chevrolet.

Make & Model Contract # Ext # Price Change 2022 Price Ford F250 Super Duty 4x2 Pick Up 178 3 $684.00 $23,440.00 Ford F450 XL 4x2 Chassis Cab 181 3 $684.00 $32,050.00 Chevy Bolt EV 5 Door Hatchback 175 3 ($4,417.00) $28,875.00

Due to supplier shortages affecting global manufacturing, production on the Ford Super Duty trucks is not scheduled to begin until the first quarter of 2022, and there will be a price increase of $684.00 on the base models.

For 2022, the Chevrolet Bolt has been redesigned and repackaged for content. Current SPC pricing on the Bolt is $33,292.00, but General Motors has made a commitment to electrification in their product line-up and reduced the 2022 Bolt EV price by $4,417.00! For questions or additional information, please contact staff or Tom Sullivan or call 815-412-3227.

Click here for more information about the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative.

View the current SPC Catalog.

Have something you'd like included in our next newsletter? Email it to news@ssmma.org.