City of Fall River announces first round of ARPA fund allocations at press conference, Fall River Holiday Parade also set to return

(FALL RIVER, MA- October 29, 2021)- Mayor Paul Coogan joined the ARPA Advisory panel, Congressman Jake Auchincloss, and Congressman Bill Keating 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 37th 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 held this year on Saturday, December 4th.

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. It was stated that 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 as early as next week. 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.