February 2nd, 2022 by WCBC Radio

City officials on Tuesday discussed priorities in allocating some $10 million in America Rescue Plan Act funds- and tentatively approved a plan designed to benefit as many citizens as possible. The funding is Cumberland’s portion of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 passed by Congress last year. The city will receive a total of $20 million in ARPA funding with half awarded last year- and the remainder expected to arrive next summer. The federal aid package is intended to combat the public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Comptroller Mark Gandolphi presented a priority list that was developed by staff and department heads and it includes funding for Janes Place; YMCA Bus Replacement; Affordable Housing Assistance; Community Development Property Improvement and the Union Rescue Mission. It also provides $5.1 million for water infrastructure projects: the South End Water Main Replacement; Industrial Blvd Water Main Replacement; and Replacing 4” Water Lines with 6” Water lines citywide. City Administrator Jeff Silka…