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Windsor Town Manager William Saunders provided the Windsor Town Council with an overview at its Tuesday, Jan. 23, work session of the projects for which the town could use American Rescue Plan Act funding.

He provided a spreadsheet to council members that outlined the primary projects, including the Duke Street and Virginia Avenue water main replacement along with other water projects, broadband expansion and more.

“Some items within it are pending and others have been ruled out,” he stated in a Jan. 23 memo to the mayor and Town Council. “Alternative projects should be considered.”

Also in the memo, Saunders noted that the town received a total of $2,067,317 in ARPA funds, the first tranche arriving on June 30, 2021, and the second tranche arriving on July 22, 2022.

He explained that changes in the rules governing how localities can use the funds have made it possible for localities to classify up to $10 million as “revenue replacement,” providing more flexibility in what can be funded. 

“ARPA funds must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024, and expended by Dec. 31, 2026,” he stated. “As of Jan. 1, 2024, approximately 50% of ARPA funds have been obligated or expended.”

Aside from the primary projects listed on the aforementioned spreadsheet, Saunders listed the following potential ARPA-funded projects for consideration:

• Town Hall improvements (roof, resurface/pave parking lot, ventilation);
• New municipal building design;
• Water tank mixers;
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system upgrade/replacement for water system;
• Traffic calming measures for North Court Street;
• SCADA system for generators; and
• Sewer study for Lover’s Lane.

“These are just some things kind of on deck that I’ve identified for potential consideration,” Saunders said at the work session.