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Manager warns of federal grant uncertainty, urges Everbridge sign-up; city coordinates on dead waterfowl reports
Summary
City manager described uncertain status of several federal grants amid recent Office of Management and Budget guidance and a temporary federal stay; he urged residents to sign up for Everbridge emergency alerts and outlined where to report deceased birds near the Charles River amid avian-flu concerns.
The city manager told the council on Jan. 28 the city is monitoring an uncertain federal grant environment after the Office of Management and Budget issued guidance to review some grants; a federal judge issued a stay shortly after the guidance, the manager said, and the situation remains unsettled.
Manager listed several federal and funded programs that could be affected and their local amounts as examples: about $1.6 million in annual federal grants to the school department; a $97,000 tree-planting grant; a $19,000 FEMA hazard grant; a $250,000 earmark for stormwater tree trenches; a $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts public arts grant; an $806,000 Safe Streets grant from the Federal Highway Administration; and applications including a $3.5 million public EV charger federal highway grant and a $57,000 FEMA firefighter cancer-screening grant. He said ARPA-funded local programs are less likely to be affected because those funds are already distributed to recipients.
Separately, the manager said the city received reports of deceased waterfowl along the Charles River and is coordinating with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). "If you encounter deceased birds along a walking path, you can call DCR directly at (617) 626-1250 or you can email mass.parksmass dot gov," he said, and added that residents should call 311 or the health department at (617) 972-6446 for birds found on city property. He warned residents not to handle deceased birds and provided precautions about keeping pets away from wild birds.
On emergency communications, the manager urged residents to sign up for the city’s Everbridge emergency alert system by texting "WatertownMA" (one word) to 888777 or by visiting the city website; he said those who need assistance can call 311. Council president asked that Everbridge sign-up instructions be placed on the website front page.
The manager said staff, including the assistant finance manager and grant specialist, continue to track the situation and will report back when there is clarity on specific grants.
