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06/04/2024 12:41 PMOf the $8.4 million in federal funds East Haven received from the COVID-19 pandemic-era American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), officials said that the town has spent $6.9 million as of May.
When the town first received the federal dollars, key areas were identified for allocating those funds in the areas of public health and government efficiency, according to Ed Sabatino, assistant director of administration and management. These areas included “COVID-19 related expenses for tests, PPE and safety devices as guided by the CDC” and the notable creation of the town’s Information Technology (IT) Department.
Figures provided by Sabatino show that exactly $837,531.45 in ARPA funds were used to help establish the IT Department, which Mayor Joseph Carfora has touted as a successful move in finally bringing East Haven Town Hall into the digital age and streamlining services to taxpayers.
ARPA funds given to the town were also used to “provide safe activities for residents during [the] pandemic” and for “capital projects that would otherwise need to be bonded, increasing debit and payments related to it,” said Sabatino.
Multiple improvements to the Town Green were made with an allocation of $450,000 in ARPA funds, while new additions in equipment, communication, and overall service capabilities were delivered to fire and police with an allocation of $805,505 in ARPA dollars.
Recreation was identified as another priority by the town in the allocation of ARPA funds, with its major project being the renovation of the Patsy DiLungo Veteran’s Memorial Ice Rink.
According to figures, approximately 45% of ARPA funds, or $3.8 million, were allocated to its renovation, while an additional $257,267 was used for multiple ice rink features such as ice and roller skates, ice resurfacing, and the logo at the center of the rink.
Other recreational assets made possible through ARPA funding include improvements to Memorial Field and “bleachers for parks and other improvements to make open spaces more inviting,” said Sabatino.
New playgrounds were also funded through $190,573 in ARPA, including an inclusive facility at the Joseph Melillo Middle School and East Haven Academy campus to replace the former skate park.
The inclusive playground was identified by the town as one of a handful of capital projects that could be offset by federal funds. The others include new pickleball courts and a new gazebo on the Town Green.
“Our aim has always been to use these funds for capital projects that would otherwise need to be included in future capital bonding packages,” Carfora said. “This approach allowed us to make generational improvements for our community while staying fiscally responsible.”
Sabitano added, “Not having to include them in the capital budget for bonding does not increase our debt service. This money allowed us to maintain fiscal responsibility with little to no effect on our general budget.”
The gazebo is pending approval at an expenditure of $150,320 in ARPA, while the pickleball courts and other improvements to basketball and tennis courts are pending approval at a cost of approximately $273,783. Other ARPA projects pending approval include cameras at the Vernon Hays building, fire station repairs, and new radio equipment for police.