Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arpa Reallocation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town Council approves ARPA reallocation to finish EMS station, advance Old Mountain Field and fund town priorities
Summary
Council voted to reallocate remaining ARPA funds and related capital reserves toward a short list of shovel‑ready priorities, including completing an EMS station in Perryville, advancing Phase 1A of Old Mountain Field, replacing the harbor‑master boat, and buying vehicles and equipment to accelerate capital projects.
The South Kingstown Town Council on Sept. 23 approved an administration proposal to obligate remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA/CSLFRF) funds and available capital reserves toward a prioritized set of projects the administration says are shovel‑ready or can be obligated before the Dec. 31 obligation deadline.
Town Manager Jim (surname not specified) and staff outlined the plan that combines roughly $9.07 million in remaining ARPA allocations with approximately $1.8 million in capital reserves to create an implementation package totaling approximately $10.8 million. Top priorities are fully funding the proposed EMS facility in Perryville; accelerating Old Mountain Field Phase 1A (restroom/concession, stadium seating and picnic area); acquiring a purpose‑built emergency response/harbor master vessel equipped for dive and rescue operations; targeted downtown facade and Main Street public‑private investments; equipment and vehicle purchases; and staff and technology upgrades to sustain operations.
Harbormaster Mike explained the need for a purpose‑built, welded‑aluminum rescue vessel with FLIR and dive/recovery capabilities; staff said used boats were not acceptable given mission needs. Parks staff described Phase 1A of Old Mountain Field (restroom/concession building, seating and picnic improvements) and noted that $2.5 million would complete the phase called 1A and allow a competitive bid package to be issued in the near term. Directors emphasized that many projects on the list were previously in the CIP but lacked match or were not shovel‑ready within the tight ARPA obligation window, and that accelerating them would leverage previously saved capital funding.
The proposal generated questions about public input and scale — several council members asked for time for resident feedback, while others stressed the short timeline for obligating funds. After extended discussion, and with staff assurances that the items proposed were vetted as ready to be obligated (purchase orders, contracts or clear scopes), the council voted to approve the reallocation plan. Members directed staff to proceed with the required purchase orders, pre‑filings and contracts needed to obligate the funds by Dec. 31, 2024, and to bring back detailed follow‑up information on specific procurements and grant leverage opportunities.
