Rehoboth Eyes ARPA Funds

Town officials are hoping to secure American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for various projects. Sue Pimental, the interim Director of Finance and Compliance, briefed the Board of Selectmen at their June 26 meeting.

These would include:
• $136, 915 for a public safety radio system
• $46, 440 for potable water for the Council on Aging
• $350,000 for an emergency operations center for the fire department
• $75,000 for PFAS Phase Two permitting system for filtration and testing of water
• $81,000 for a senior walkway (trails) at the Council on Aging

In addition, $50,000 would be used to buy fitness equipment for seniors at Miller Hall at Francis Farm. $81,000 would be used to create walking paths at the facility.

$300,000 would be used to create an “intergenerational playground”, a therapeutic garden for $31,000, and paving for basketball courts, horseshoes, volleyball, bocce, and pickleball.

“There is a chunk of money, we’re very fortunate to have it, but it’s not that we can spend it however we decide,” Pimental explained. “There’s certain categories that we need to adhere to.”

Pimental said applications for the funds have to be submitted to Bristol County for approval, noting there are six categories which qualify for ARPA funding.

Those categories are water and sewer infrastructure, broadband infrastructure, premium pay for essential workers, negative economic impacts, and support for the public health response to Covid 19 issues, mental health, and substance abuse.

For more information, visit https://www.bristolcountyarpa.com.