Town survey asks for spending ideas

NEW MILFORD – The town sent out a survey this week asking residents for input on how it should spend its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

New Milford is set to receive $7.9 million from the federal government over the next four years and is tasked with using the money to aid in pandemic recovery efforts, the survey said. Several Danbury-area town leaders have turned to their constituents to hear what they want to do with the money.

“We want to hear from New Milford residents on their ideas, their concerns, and how they see the Town’s future because we are ready to rebuild,” Bass

Residents are then asked to select three of ten options, which include things like public health, housing access, internet access/broadband and stipends for first responders and critical workers. There is also an option for a free response asking for other ideas that could “help the Town of New Milford be the best it can be.”

said in the press release. “I encourage our community to join the conversation and complete the survey.”

The unprecedented funding has a broad scope and guidelines, leaving many local leaders with questions, unsure of how to allocate the money. Brookfield, Ridgefield, Bethel, and New Fairfield are forming different advisory groups and committees to generate ideas.

The survey included eight questions, only one of which pertained to thoughts on ARPA spending. The other seven questions asked for residents’ contact and demographic information such as race or ethnicity and age.

The main survey question reads: “The ARP Act will provide a chance for the Town of New Milford to invest in projects that will transform New Milford and help the community recover from COVID-19. Please select the top three (3) priority areas that are most important to you.”

Residents are then asked to select three of ten options, which include things like public health, housing access, internet access/ broadband and stipends for first responders and critical workers. There is also an option for a free response asking for other ideas that could “help the Town of New Milford be the best it can be.”

Neighboring towns are also starting to make moves in planning for ARPA spending.

At a recent Brookfield Board of Selectmen meeting, First Selectman Steve Dunn officially appointed the town’s new ad-hoc committee for ARPA spending. The group, made up of board and committee representatives as well as residents who raised their hands, will brainstorm ideas for the roughly $5 million the town is set to receive.

Towns must obligate their rescue funds by 2024 and spend it by the end of 2026.

The press release said New Milford must submit a recovery plan outlining its pandemic response and economic recovery to the U.S. Treasury Department by August 31, 2021.

New Milford’s survey can be accessed until Aug. 15, the press release said, and can be completed online or by hand after picking up a survey sheet from the mayor’s office.

H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Mayor Pete Bass and former Mayor Liba Furhman talk about plans for the River Walk area in New Milford in an image from July 1.