Commissioners reallocate $336,000 in ARPA housing funds; approve $150,000 for Waldoboro water infrastructure
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Summary
The commissioners approved recommendations from LCRPC to reallocate $336,000 in ARPA funds: $150,000 to Waldoboro water infrastructure, a conditional $150,000 for three-phase power to two ARPA sites pending CMP confirmation, and $36,000 to Newcastle; funds must remain within originally allocated projects and be spent according to grant deadlines.
Lincoln County planning staff and LCRPC Executive Director Emily Rabbe presented a detailed memo on the status of ARPA housing awards and recommended reallocating $336,000 remaining from prior awards to specific projects.
The board approved the recommendation 3-0. Approved allocations include $150,000 to the Town of Waldoboro for water booster-station and extension work to support higher-density and affordable housing (the LCRPC memo said the work could enable "up to 153 potential units"), a conditional $150,000 to extend three-phase power to two ARPA project sites (the Town of Waldoboro and Volunteers of America Northern New England) pending Central Maine Power confirmation of scope and costs, and $36,000 to the Town of Newcastle for hydrant relocation and engineering work. Rabbe and Administrator Carrie Kipfer said remaining funds must stay within previously authorized projects and that awardees must spend allocated dollars by the ARPA program's spending deadline.
The conditional three-phase power award requires a decision by May 1, 2026, to allow time for feasibility, environmental review, and cost updates; if the power project comes in under budget or does not proceed, staff indicated remaining funds could be reallocated (for example, to Newcastle). Commissioner William B. Blodgett moved to accept the LCRPC recommendations; Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky seconded the motion, which passed 3-0.