City of Fall River announces $600,000 in ARPA funds earmarked for local tourism efforts

The City of Fall River announced Tuesday that it has more plans on how the remaining ARPA money will be spent.

At Tuesday’s new logo event, /Mayor Paul Coogan announced an official partnership between the City of Fall River and organization Viva Fall River to utilize an investment of over $600,000 in ARPA funds on local tourism efforts.

Executive Director of Viva Fall River, Patti Rego, spoke about plans for the funding, most notably to address the need for baseline research. In addition to research, Rego wants to create initiatives that bring visitors and dollars to the City and create a collaboration with other local communities.

“From small projects like the logo contest, to big projects like the website, to new projects like our work with Viva Fall River, we are working to make Fall River a more modern and attractive place to live, work and set down roots,” said Mayor Coogan, following the event. “The logo contest successfully engaged the Fall River community and allowed the residents to have a voice in the direction of the City. I thank everyone who entered or voted during our logo contest, and thank our amazing finalists for sharing their talents with us.”

In January of last year, Coogan announced a second round of ARPA projects including:

 Small Business Grant Assistance Program – Jobs for Fall River, Inc.
o Allocation: $3,260,000
o Purpose: The Small Business Grant Assistance Program will provide businesses that are negatively impacted by the pandemic with grant assistance. Businesses currently operating with 5 employees or less would receive $2,500 and businesses with 6 to 10 employees would receive $5,000. Additional information about the program and application process will be released at a later date.

 Med Cat Ambulance Purchase – Fall River Emergency Medical Services
o Allocation: $298,900
o Purpose: This vehicle will enable Fall River Police and EMS departments to work together during situations of high risk and extreme weather situations

 Computers & Printers for FRPD Cruisers – Fall River IT Department
o Allocation: $220,000
o Purpose: The purchase and installation of 53 new cruiser computers and 6 new cruiser printers to aid in the prevention of crime throughout the City.

 Crime Prevention Training and Equipment – Fall River Police Department
o Allocation: $562,000
o Purpose: Purchase of new equipment including a modernization of the current radio system, acquisition of 20 active shooter kits and 5 new police cruisers. Trainings will include Evidence Management and Audit Training, De-Escalation Training, Interview and Interrogation School, Implicit Bias Training and Police Reform Training.

 Phase Four of the Quequechan Rail Trail Project – Fall River Planning Department
o Allocation: $4,000,000
o Purpose: Phase Four of the Alfred J. Lima Quequechan Rail Trail Project will carry out plans developed in 2015 to expand the trail. This project will link Britland Park to Travassos Park and the rest of the trail system. It will also connect recently developed renovated mills to the trail system and the edge of the downtown core, providing a significant amenity for residents and a boost to local development. The expansion will align with the goals of the new Flint Neighborhood Urban Renewal process.

 Jerry Lawton Plaza Rehabilitation Project – Fall River Planning Department
o Allocation: $300,000
o Purpose: Renovation of the Jerry Lawton Plaza, a deteriorated public open space at the southwest corner of South Main Street and Anawan Street. In addition to necessary improvements to the plaza’s lighting, landscaping and surface (bringing it into ADA compliance), the project will include the creation of water/electrical access in support of a “flex space” for pop-up retail, arts events and outdoor dining.