by Mike Zale, Ogden Town Supervisor
In response to the economic devastation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was signed into law on March 11, 2021. This $1.9 trillion stimulus plan provided $350 billion in relief funds to states and local governments. The Town of Ogden’s ARPA share of funding totaled $1,737,355.
Knowing early on that we wanted these funds to be used on projects that not only fit the established criteria but would also jumpstart projects that most closely would benefit the residents of Ogden, the town board established the “ARPA Committee.” Over the course of the last year-and-a-half, this committee has met to discuss and recommend projects that did just that. I’m thankful for the members of the committee and proud of the list we came up with. I’d like to share some of the projects that these funds have gone towards so far.
We were very excited to complete our town-wide Campus Safety Project last year, which included the installation of key fobs and additional security cameras on town property. It has gone a long way to make our campus even safer and more secure for both staff and visitors.
In the Building Department, we are in the process of implementing new software that allows homeowners to apply for and pay for permits and schedule inspections online. We hope to bring this new system online later this year to provide more efficiencies for residents and town staff alike.
Making improvements to the town’s Little Red building has been another significant ARPA initiative. Mold and asbestos removal, renovation of the bathroom and installation of an HVAC system are just some of the things we have done to make this historic building safer and more accessible for our Town Historian, Recreation Department and residents stopping by for a visit.
At Pineway Ponds Park, we used ARPA funds to cover a portion of the newly constructed pole barn. This barn will improve efficiencies within the park and provide an alternative space to store equipment. Additionally, a section of the building will be used to assist the police department in their investigations. Funds were also used to support new backstops for Spencerport Junior Baseball and Softball at the park, and installed internet and cameras as well.
We have also made a real effort to address the needs of the highway department with our stimulus funds. With guidance from Highway Superintendent Dan Wolf, we purchased a UTV, office equipment, and a state-of-the-art sewer camera system. Lastly, we invested in generators for the town’s sewer stations. These will be a vital resource whenever we lose power in Ogden.
A lot of hard work has been put into allocating and spending Ogden’s share of ARPA funds and there is much more to come, including a new splash pad in Pineway Ponds Park and electric vehicle charging stations at the town hall. With tremendous help from our department heads and the town board, we have prioritized projects that will improve government services and local amenities and make a lasting impact in our community.
