Sixth District St. Louis County Councilman Ernie Trakas will introduce legislation at tonight’s council meeting that sets aside $62.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for a ‘South County Strong Plan,’ to help families and businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19. 

The legislation will be introduced at the Nov. 2 County Council meeting and is intended to aid in helping the South County community recover from both the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. 

The plan outlines six different expenditures for the 6th District: $20 million for a Department of Public Works Community Stabilization Task Force to abate derelict properties in the district, $15 million to address small business economic assistance and employment, $10 million for household assistance and child mental health services, $7.5 million for pool and tennis court renovations at the Kennedy Recreation Center, $7.5 million to finance bonds for the repair and upgrade of the Quail Creek golf course and $2.5 million for the creation of a sobering center at the St. Louis County Department of Health’s South County location. 

“These projects are critical to the citizens of District 6 and align with their concerns expressed to me regarding problem properties, homelessness and drug addiction, mental health, workforce development and improved recreational facilities in the area,” Trakas said in a press release. 

He said the plan gives South County a fair share of the $193 million in ARPA funding the county received. 

The legislation will be introduced at the Nov. 2 council meeting and can be voted on as soon as Nov. 9.