President Biden signed H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan (ARP), intended to assist with the public health crisis created by the pandemic. As vaccine distribution and availability increases, more funds are needed to ensure the availability of the vaccine, that children are able to return to school, and that people can return to work.

"By ensuring disaster relief funds are provided direct to municipalities, the American Rescue Plan allocated $5.8 million directly to the City of Kinston, NC to help our citizens and local economy recover from the impact of the pandemic," said Mayor Don Hardy.

The plan provides resources to protect the first responders, frontline public health workers, teachers, transit workers, and other essential workers per the mayor's proclamation.

"I am greatly encouraged that the ARP Plan will provide this crucial support to help our hardest-hit small businesses keep their doors open and revitalize restaurants and food/beverage establishments," said Hardy.

The allocation of funds, or how the city will be allowed to spend those funds is still unknown at this time. City manager Tony Sears will be working toward ensuring the city appropriately spends the funds when it receives them.

Kinston lost a few businesses to COVID-19, including the Boiler Room, but has grown with new restaurant and store openings during the pandemic. Kinston has held food drives and medicine drives to ensure the citizens of Kinston have access to the resources they need.

On March 30, 2021, the Johnson and Johnson one-shot COVID-19 vaccine will be available at Historic Grainger Stadium from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For those interested in getting the one-shot vaccine, please reach out to Mayor Don Hardy at (252) 939-3114.