City of Fall River Announces First Round of ARPA Allocations

(FALL RIVER, MA- October 29, 2021)- Mayor Paul Coogan joined the ARPA Advisory panel
and Congressman Jake Auchincloss Friday for a press conference announcing the first round of
allocations of the City of Fall River’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

 

A vote of the
advisory panel on Thursday, October 28th approved funding for three proposals.

? Water Main Replacement – City of Fall River Department of Community Utilities
o Allocation: $8,350,000.00

o Purpose: Replacement of 17,720 feet of water main, replacement of 36 lead
services and reconstruction of affected streets and sidewalks.

? Operation Compass – Fall River Police Department
o Allocation: $474,686.00
o Purpose: Public safety improvements through increased bike patrols, walking
beats and gang prevention programs as well as new equipment- including 50
security cameras and 20 radar speed displays.

? Fall River Annual Children’s Holiday Parade – Greater Fall River Re-Creation
o Allocation: $75,000.00

o Purpose: To continue the City of Fall River’s annual Children’s Holiday Parade,
which has substantial impacts on tourism and economic development in Fall
River while providing a positive outlet for Fall River’s youth

At the press conference, Mayor Paul Coogan and the ARPA Advisory Panel reminded
community members that this round of funding was the first of many votes and allocations. The

time sensitive nature of the Children’s Parade and the recent uptick in public safety incidents
called for these proposals to be reviewed and funded quickly. The Advisory Panel has already
received over a dozen written proposals for ARPA funding, which will be reviewed in
forthcoming meetings.

The City of Fall River is in the process of formalizing an application process for eligible
entities to apply for ARPA funding. An application is expected to be available online and in City
Hall by the end of November. However, Mayor Coogan urged all non-profits and small
businesses who are considering applying for funding to begin researching the eligible uses of
ARPA funding to consider whether they may be able to apply.

“We are glad to start putting our ARPA funds to use,” said Mayor Coogan. “All three
proposals that received funding today represent projects and issues residents care about. As we
receive new information about ARPA regulations and additional sources of funding, I look
forward to reviewing more proposals and using this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move Fall
River forward.”

The ARPA Advisory Panel was assembled in June of 2021 to advise the Mayor on
potential uses of ARPA funding. It consists of City Officials, business leaders, community
members and community utilities providers.