ARPA Projects
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, otherwise known as ARPA, presented cities like Fall River with a historic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for long-term transformation
ARPA was a historic economic stimulus bill designed to speed up the nation’s recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency. ARPA awarded local governments like Fall River with millions of dollars to invest into their communities to improve the overall quality of life for their residents.
Under the leadership of Mayor Coogan, Fall River has invested millions of its $69.6 million ARPA allocation into transformative initiatives to foster economic growth and prosperity. Below are just a fraction of the projects that have been funded with ARPA dollars.
Infrastructure Projects Funded By ARPA
• Purchased community maintenance equipment, including a graffiti removal machine, two pothole and asphalt repair apparatuses, and three street sweeping vehicles
• Replaced 17,720 feet of aging water lines
• Creation of a storm water conveyance system as part of Route 79 project
• Removal and replacement of a portion of approximately 3,760 lead service lines
Economic Development Projects Funded By ARPA
• Created a small business assistance grant program to help local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
• Funded the completion of a tourism study to inform future Fall River developments and maximize external investment in the city
• Funded the Storefront Improvement Reimbursement Program providing financial assistance to local businesses owners and revitalizing business districts within the City
Environmental Stewardship Projects Funded By ARPA
• Acquired ten acres of farmland at the mouth of the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve to act as the site of a future Education and Discovery Center, which will teach visitors about land stewardship, conservation, and the unique ecology of Fall River
• Funded efforts to decrease the level of phosphorus in the South Watuppa Pond, which will help decrease the frequency of harmful algae blooms
• Launched a residential tree planting program that provides free trees for Fall River property owners
Public Safety Projects Funded By ARPA
• Funded the Fall River Police Department’s body-worn camera program for the next five years
• Purchased 50 new security cameras and 20 new radar speed displays for use by the Fall River Police Department
• Purchased a MedCat armored ambulance and medical rescue vehicle for use by the Fall River Emergency Medical Services
• Funded technology upgrades to Fall River’s 9-1-1 emergency call system
Purchased cruisers for the Fall River Police Department
Community Wellness and Public Recreation Projects Funded By ARPA
• Created the For Youth Initiative, a program that pays for city youth to participate in extracurricular activities provided by local businesses
• Extended the Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Rail Trail
• Rehabilitated the Jerry Lawton Plaza
• Restored the splash pad at Father Travassos Park
• Funded critical repairs to the Fall River Library
• Created a non-profit assistance grant program to support the work of local non-profit organizations that assist those in need in Fall River