On Tuesday, October 18, the Town voted on spending for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. In a 652-390 vote, the $4.1 million ARPA monies wer e approved to fund ten projects. First Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco said, “I am grateful to those who came out to vote on the ARPA funding last Tuesday and who participated in the process for the past year and a half.” The Board of Selectmen hosted numerous public forums to gather input during that time.

Del Monaco said, “The Board of Selectmen were mindful of the intent of the American Rescue Plan, focusing on projects that provided ‘short term investment for long term gain,’ and we feel that all of the proposed projects will have a positive impact on the Town for years to come.” The projects are: a $1.6 million sewer design; $700,000 Town Park beach house renovation; $615,000 for public safety; $455,000 for Company A firehouse renovation; $265,000 for public health and safety personnel pandemic premium pay; $150,000 for small business grants; $150,000 for Ball Pond watershed stormwater drainage; $65,000 for a fire marshal vehicle; $25,000 for the town’s emergency housing fund; and $25,000 for a community center feasibility study.

Del Monaco explained that the Town has received the full ARPA grant from the federal government, “so work will begin as soon as possible on all projects.” The projects were initially proposed and developed by small groups within the ARPA working group, and it is anticipated that those small groups will continue working together through project development. Expect the projects to be a frequent topic of discussion at future BOS meetings and updates will appear regularly in Del Monaco’s columns in the Town Tribune.

By Sarah Opdahl