The City of Benton Harbor will use the first part of the American Rescue Plan funding
$4,912,882 for Residents relief, fighting poverty, neighborhood restoration, job training,
youth employment water & waste infrastructure, small business grants, public safety
improvements and address budget shortfalls, according to Mayor Marcus Muhammad.

The first round of funding is scheduled to be by July 1, 2021. The second round of funding is scheduled for May 2022.

Below is a proposed list of areas for consideration:

Resident Relief $1,560,000
Rental Assistance $500,000
Utility Assistance: (Water, Gas, Electric) $500,000
Home Improvements $200,000
Internet Access (Public Housing, Low $Moderate Income, Senior Centers) $50,000
Job Training $250,000
Neighborhood Improvements $1,340,000
Vacant Lot Clean up (removal $150,000)
Alley Clean Up ($100,000)
Park Safety/Improvements $350,000
Block Clubs $40,000
Youth Employment (Clean Up Effort 200,000)
Public Safety/Works Improvements 450,000
Camera System 250,000
Fire Hydrant Replacement 75,000
200 Trash Cans (4 Wards) 25,000
Public Works Equipment 100,000
Water/Sewer Infrastructure Projects $1,200,000
Non-Profits/Small Business Grants $112,882
Churches (Internet Access) $30,000
Small Business Loans $70,000
Community Gardens 12,882
Budget Revenue Loss
Income Tax $250,000