Small businesses, crime prevention, Rail Trail, PD cruiser comps, plaza, among new Fall River ARPA funding

(FALL RIVER, MA- January 5th, 2022)- Mayor Paul Coogan and the ARPA Advisory Panel have announced the second round of allocations from the City of Fall River’s American Rescue Plan Act funding. A vote of the advisory panel on December 16th, 2021 approved funding for these proposals.

Allocations range from small business recovery to public safety investments and major planning projects.

 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.

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. They continue to review proposals from City departments and outside organizations. At this time, there is no anticipated timeline for the remaining funds to be allocated, as additional requests and information about ARPA regulations and additional sources of funding.

The City of Fall River established a Request for Funding application in November and is available on the City of Fall River’s website. All organizations considering applying should begin research regarding the eligible uses of ARPA funding, as well as all other funding sources, before choosing to apply.