Commissioners move $1.2 million in ARPA funds to Windham sewer project and approve MOU for sheriff substation space

Cumberland County commissioners approved two related actions to support infrastructure and a county substation in the town of Windham.

The board authorized transferring $1,200,000 in ARPA contingency funds to the North Windham wastewater treatment system project to extend sewer service to a new fire station and support wider infrastructure work along Route 302. County staff said the funds had been reserved in the fall to meet federal timing requirements and were now being allocated to amend the town’s existing ARPA contract.

Separately, commissioners authorized the county manager to execute a memorandum of agreement with Windham that would reserve up to 3,000 square feet in the town’s proposed fire station for use by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. The agreement covers a 40‑year period, includes a prorated share of utilities, and allows the county to exit the arrangement under certain conditions. The county would be responsible for outfitting the space—desks, workstations and related furnishings—if the MOU is executed.

County staff said the substation would provide a more permanent county presence and operational footprint in the outer corridor north of Greater Portland, easing travel time for deputies and offering space for patrol and investigative staff to work locally. Commissioners and staff described Windham as an area primed for growth and said the sewer extension supports both public infrastructure and anticipated development.

Both votes passed without recorded opposition.