Town To Allocate Second Round Of ARPA Funds
Photo: ellington-ct.gov
Public Input Invited
Approximately $4.8 million of the almost $12 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to the Town of Amherst remains to be allocated. Previous allocations were presented at the June 26 Town Council meeting, and questions were gathered about how the funds were awarded. The answers to the questions and plans for the remaining funds will be discussed at the July 17 council meeting. Funds must be allocated by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026. The awards must target services and businesses harmed by the pandemic.
Uses suggested by Finance Director Sean Mangano for round 2 funds are solar canopies over the high school parking lot, upgrade to the Senior Center kitchen and activity area, roads and sidewalks, and community grants to non-profits which “contribute to the broader community.”
The town and council are soliciting suggestions on which non-profits might receive the funds. Comments should be sent by Wednesday, July 12 to bockelmanp@amherstma.gov, towncouncil@amherstma.gov, or https://www.amherstma.gov/councilcomments. More details will follow the July 17 council meeting.