The purpose of the American Rescue Plan Act is to stimulate the local economy.

That is the opinion of Joe Town who owns Pace’s Pizzeria in downtown Jamestown. Earlier this month, Town and two other restaurant owners – Eric Hagglund of 4 Below Haggy’s Bar and Grill and Patti Centi of Landmark Restaurant – were invited by city officials to speak about ARPA funding that is being designated to assist small businesses during a Jamestown City Council work session meeting.

In the city’s ARPA draft plan for economic development, $10 million in funding of the $28 million the city received in federal stimulus is being allocated to assist small business owners, like Town, and large manufacturers.

In the draft plan, $200,000 is being allocated to assist restaurants, retail and services businesses for initiatives like creating outdoor spaces, booking entertainment, holding industry-related training seminars and other actions to assist businesses. The plan also includes $200,000 for storefront improvements to strengthen the downtown central business district to increase foot traffic that could boost sales for city businesses.

“The complete purpose of the American Rescue Plan is to stimulate the local economy,” he said. “To bridge the gap from the losses of the pandemic to assist us in getting back on our feet and leading the charge of stimulating the economy.”

Town said ARPA funding toward infrastructure will help all city businesses because it will improve the value of the real estate and the attractiveness of Jamestown. He also said the funding in the economic plan for marketing, which is $500,000, will also assist small businesses. He added that funding for internet technology improvements, which is $750,000, will also aid businesses.

“These programs will have an immediate impact. Infrastructure improvements will help with the way things look and will have a long-term impact,” he said. “The marketing campaign on behalf of small restaurants will be able used to market to the greater area to let people know they can visit any number of restaurants. Upgrading IT will be a boost when it comes to online ordering and our online presence.”

Town said the federal funding the city has been given is not a “cash grab” for local restaurants and small businesses owners.

“We understand these dollars need to be spent strategically and responsibly with a return on investment in mind,” he said. “This is a once in a generation financial infusion for Jamestown. Restaurants are the cultural lifeblood of a city. When people come in from out of town, one of the first things they want to do is grab something to eat. We are often the first line of ambassadors for the city. People ask us what there is to do and what there is to see. Every day we talk to people from out of town about the city.”

Funding from the ARPA could help with the infrastructure of Pace’s Pizzeria, located at 549 W. Third St., Jamestown, building, Town said.

“I share this stress with other downtown restaurants as well. The building itself is from the 1940s. Most buildings downtown are pretty old,” he said. “We want to upgrade the structure itself to continue to sell pizzas for the long haul.”

Town said because of the delay in supplies and the amount of work contractors can do at one time, he said the council will need to act soon on allocating the ARPA funding if it’s to help small businesses in the city this summer.

“You can act quickly and in a strategic matter without acting hastily,” he said. “There is enough time to implement the strategy and stimulate the economy. We are leading the charge to stimulate the economy downtown to get back to pre-pandemic levels. We are ready for the challenge.”