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06/14/2024 10:39 AMFive projects will receive funds thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) after voters approved a plan to spend $1.1 million at a meeting on May 28.
Developed two years ago to provide federal funds to municipalities recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Old Saybrook received $2,956,466.25 of aid. The town was tasked with deciding the best way to use those funds and formed the ARPA Ad Hoc Committee to work with the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance to develop a list of projects that could benefit from the money.
Five of those projects were given the green light by voters at a May 28 town meeting. With that approval, $100,000 has been allocated to repair the Old Saybrook Point seawall, and $100,000 will go to the Acton Public Library’s renovation fund. Another $150,000 has been designated for the Park and Recreation capital fund, while $250,000 will be used to assist in the revitalization of Mariner’s Way. The largest sum, $500,000, will be used by the Housing Task Force to develop diverse housing options for the town.
The vote was done via voice vote, so an official tally was not taken.
Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna said he was particularly excited about the benefits of investing in the library, the park and recreation fund, and the seawall project, noting that the public will quickly see the advantages.
“The library is nearly 25 years since its last iteration, and it is time for an update to meet the needs of our community. We are well on our way to funding this project, so it will be exciting to see the renovations take place,” Fortuna said.
As for the seawall project, Fortuna said that fixing the area will allow the town to build a sidewalk from Gardiner’s Landing through to the mini-golf course.
“That sidewalk ultimately connects up to crossing the causeway, giving residents and visitors some of the most stunning views in Connecticut,” Fortuna said.
“Lastly, our park system was built decades ago and is in need of upgrades. We are well into this process, but with these funds and additional funding streams, we hope to get our parks to a level of excellence unmatched in our region,” he continued.
According to Old Saybrook Director of Economic Development and Communications Jennifer Donahue, the town has allocated $2,728,847.27 of its ARPA money to various projects since 2022. The remaining approximately $227,618.98 must be allocated by Dec. 31, 2024.
“During Phase One of the allocation process, the committee reached out to businesses and organizations in the community that had been affected by the pandemic and were able to mitigate those effects for most applicants. During Phase Two of the allocation process, the committee had the opportunity to consider how to put the town in a better position should another challenge such as the pandemic arise in the future,” Donahue explained.
“In furtherance of that goal, funding allocations in phase two have supported economic resiliency; recreational activities and facilities; community mental health, including youth, families, and the elderly; and town infrastructure, including connectivity for town hall meetings and support toward affordable housing, redevelopment of underutilized areas and library renovations,” she added.