Bernalillo County recently announced that the Bernalillo County Commission has approved a $1 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The funds are earmarked for the development of a new early learning Pre-K facility in South Valley, with the commission's unanimous 4 to 0 vote securing this initiative's funding.
The allocated funds will be used for site preparation at 900 Armijo SW, which includes leveling the ground and establishing utilities. Peanut Butter and Jelly (PB&J), a nonprofit organization, plans to relocate its educational operations from its current Lopez SW facility to this newly funded site. According to a press release by Bernalillo County, the strategic proximity between the new and existing facilities is expected to enhance program collaboration, with occupancy anticipated in early 2026.
"Approving this funding is a step forward in our continued efforts to close the educational gap in areas of the South Valley," says District 2 Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada, as reported by Bernalillo County.
According to information provided on their webpage, the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners' duties encompass serving as the county canvassing board, board of finance, and zoning board. They wield final authority over the county budget, affirm property tax rates, issue general obligation bonds, determine appropriations, pass ordinances, make appointments, and establish zoning and business regulations.
The American Rescue Plan is an initiative designed to reshape pandemic trajectories and provide immediate assistance to American workers. It aims for an equitable economic recovery and swift reduction of child poverty. A Columbia University study backs up these objectives by indicating a significant reduction in child poverty due to this plan. Hailed as one of the most progressive legislations, it directs most benefits towards families earning less than $90,000 annually. The plan prioritizes a national vaccination program along with COVID-19 containment and safe school reopenings by allocating substantial funds for supplies, emergency response, testing, and vaccine distribution. This information is according to the American Rescue Plan Fact Sheet provided by the White House.
