Mohave County’s Covid Relief Funds: Where Did They Disappear?

In May 2021, the Mohave County Board of Supervisors made a significant decision to allocate $41.2 million across the five supervisory districts. Now, over three years later, the funds have nearly all been utilized for various projects throughout the county.

This is a breakdown of how the money has been allocated.

As of this week, District 1 has utilized approximately $4 million for broadband infrastructure expansion in the Kingman area. This initiative was approved on September 7, 2021, and achieved “Substantially Complete” status by July 2023.

In addition, $2.5 million of ARPA funding was approved on January 3, 2022, for a new water well at Centennial Park, with completion anticipated this January.

Funding also addressed community health issues in Colorado City. A $32,500 assessment was approved on February 7, 2022, to identify health challenges and was finalized in September 2022.

On April 14, 2022, the board authorized $110,500 for asphalt repairs in Virgin Acres, completed by May 2023. More recently, $1.4 million was allocated on May 2, 2022, for ongoing water infrastructure improvement in Colorado City.

Moreover, small business training was funded ($14,500) as proposed on November 21, 2022, and $45,451 supported the Kingman Unified School District’s summer program modifications on May 15, 2023.

Other funding initiatives include $139,784 toward the construction of a building for the STEM/robotics program at the Kingman Unified School District, proposed last August.

In District 2, Supervisor Hildy Angius has overseen several projects benefiting Bullhead City and neighboring areas. The first significant allocation was $1 million to WestCare on July 19, 2021, for transitional housing renovations for women exiting drug treatment programs. Completion occurred on January 6, 2023.

Angius also allocated $650,000 for park improvements in Bullhead City, alongside $286,000 for waterline enhancements at Davis Camp Park, which were completed by June 6, 2022.

Further, $1.86 million was granted for various upgrades at Davis Camp Park, with ongoing construction this year. Also approved was $150,000 for renovations at the Alano Club in Bullhead City, finalized in June 2023.

Additional allocations include $100,000 for the Colorado River BMX Track, completed in August 2022, and $250,000 for facility improvements at the Boys & Girls Club, which remain ongoing.

Angius has also focused on veterans’ support, funding $100,000 for a van to aid transportation for veterans. That project concluded in September 2022.

District 3 Supervisor Buster Johnson has proposed 16 ARPA projects since 2021. Notably, $2.75 million was allocated for water system replacement in the Horizon Six Improvement District on September 7, 2021.

Various technological advancements have been pursued as well. Johnson secured $750,000 to develop fiber optic infrastructure in early 2023, enhancing connectivity across the area.

Other funds supported kitchen upgrades at the Havasu Senior Center and significant software purchases aimed at improving departmental efficiencies.

In District 4, Supervisor Jean Bishop has allocated funds for 13 projects, including $1.7 million for a new water well in the Golden Valley Improvement District. Despite earlier setbacks, construction recommenced this January.

Bishop’s focus on healthcare included a mobile health unit, which began operating in December 2022, and ongoing infrastructure expansion with an emphasis on water services.

District 5 Supervisor Ron Gould has been involved in 19 projects, directing $7.09 million since 2021. His first significant approach included a stimulus program that yielded limited responses from the community.

Other critical initiatives included funding for the construction of the Yucca Community Food Pantry and enhancements for the Boys & Girls Club, illustrating his commitment to local improvements.

The allocation of resources through the ARPA funding demonstrates a proactive effort by the Mohave County Board of Supervisors. It illustrates a comprehensive approach to community needs, ensuring a diversified application of funds to benefit residents across multiple districts.