American Rescue Funds
OVERVIEW
Learn how Windsor is putting ARPA funds to use
What are American Rescue Funds?
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) includes financial relief for municipalities to address a variety of needs created by the far reaching COVID-19 pandemic. However, you’ll see us referring to these funds as ARF, or American Rescue Funds.
It is our goal to ensure Windsor residents are aware of the projects, programs and services funded through American Rescue Funds until all of the allocated funds are expended. Look out for our ARF dog, anywhere you see it, you’ll know American Rescue Funds were involved.
The funding will be provided to the town over a two year period with the expected amount to be approximately $8.5M. Funds need to be expended or committed by the end of calendar year 2024. In some cases, such as capital projects, funds need to be committed by that date but not fully expended until 2026.
Click the following link for detailed information on the American Rescue Plan Act.
Funds Allocation Framework
The Town Council has approved the designation of four key areas of focus, providing a framework on how to spend the funds.
Keep an eye out for these topics as information is released to better understand how this money is being used.
Competitive & Sustainable Economy
Safe, Strong, Diverse Neighborhoods & Families
Community Health & Wellness
Capital and Infrastructure Investments
What’s already happened? A timeline:
Plan overview
Council Workshop
Small Business and Non-Profit Grant
Framework and Potential Allocation Plan
Also in January, 50 small business and non-profit organizations received grant funding through the small business and non-profit grant program.
American Rescue Funds branding initiative
At this meeting the Town Council approved the following framework for the allocation of funds:
– Competitive & Sustainable Economy,
– Safe, Strong, Diverse Neighborhoods & Families,
– Community Health & Wellness,
– $5,100,000 is estimated to be allocated towards investments in capital or infrastructure related projects.
Windsor Volunteer Ambulance and Caring Connection Allocations
In addition, the $40,000 contribution proposed for the Caring Connection Adult Day Health Center was removed from the general fund and $100,000 in American Rescue Funds was appropriated to the Caring Connection budget.
Windsor Worx – An Economic Development Hub
Learn About Windsor Worx
Wilson Park
Click here to learn more about the town’s grant application and conceptual drawings.
*Conceptual drawings will continue to be refined with additional public input and feedback.
*appropriation contingent on grant approval
Endorsement of Riverfront Recapture’s Community Investment Fund grant application
Click here to learn more about the grant application.
*appropriation contingent on grant approval
Block Party
A proposal for a Community & Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program was presented at the October 17th town council meeting. This program will assist community groups and neighborhoods with small-scale physical improvement projects as well as annual or one-time events sponsored by eligible organizations.
A proposal for Be Well Windsor was presented at the October 3rd town council meeting. Windsor’s town-wide health and wellness initiative that aims to have a positive impact on the health and quality of life for all Windsor residents.
Funds were approved for the Multi-family Housing Rehabilitation Program at the October 17th town council meeting. This program is designed to stabilize and preserve the quality and availability of affordable rental housing throughout Windsor.
L.P. Wilson Pickleball & Tennis Courts
JFK School HVAC Project
Baker Hollow Road Reconstruction
This reconstruction of the unimproved portion of Baker Hollow Road will conform it to town roadway construction standards. These improvements will enhance development within the Day Hill Road Corporate Area and provide a suitable roadway surface for those entities currently existing, or proposed, along Baker Hollow Road.
Shad Run Terrace & Fitch Court Improvements
At the same meeting, a motion was also approved authorizing $25,000 in American Rescue Funds for design services related to the Fitch Court roof replacement project.
At the May 1 regular Town Council meeting, a motion was passed appropriating an additional $35,000 for the Shad Run Terrace Improvement Project.
Windsor Youth Services Bureau – STEP Expansion
The STEP program provides 9th, 10th, and 11th grade young adults with a summer full of professional development opportunities, including interview skills, resume writing, financial management, park cleanups, small build projects, and the coordination of Community Block Parties.
Small Business Incubator & Support Centers
Community & Neighborhood Enhancement Program
Welch Pool Improvement Project
The project includes complete interior renovation of the bathhouse with a 368 sq. ft. addition and roof replacement. The redesigned interior of the bathhouse will have a new entry vestibule with a staff admittance desk and completely new ADA-compliant men’s and women’s restrooms. The project includes all new plumbing fixtures, flooring, and painted wall surfaces. An existing adjacent bathroom will be transformed into a family changing room. The current water filtration equipment will be moved into the building for weather protection. The pool decking and coping will be replaced, and a new pool liner will be installed. The existing wading pool will be replaced with spray features. The perimeter fencing on the south west side of the pool area will be extended, providing approximately 400 sq. ft. of seating space.
Wilson Park
In February, the above appropriation was approved along with a resolution to set a referendum date and approve ballot language for the Wilson Park project at 458 Windsor Avenue (Town Manager). The referendum passed.
Clover St School Field Improvements Project
Windsor Fife & Drum Corps.
Additional Appropriations
◦ $180,000 for the town’s Housing Rehabilitation program
◦ $145,000 for the town’s Multifamily Housing Rehabilitation
◦ $100,000 for the town’s Community Neighborhood Enhancement Grant program
◦ $55,748 towards a Dial-A-Ride replacement van and
◦ $15,000 to the Windsor Art Center in support of the September 2024 CT River and Roots Festival.