BY ADAM ATKINSON
North Country This Week

POTSDAM — The town is working with East Syracuse firm Strategic Development Specialists on the best ways to spend its American Rescue Plan funds.

One of the co-owners of the grant writing and economic development firm, Leann West, discussed options and the services the firm would provide with the board at their meeting Dec. 14.

The town was notified in March by the U.S. Treasury department that they would receive about $500,000 total from the American Rescue Plan. The federal initiative will redistribute $1.9 trillion back to individuals, businesses and municipalities as a form of COVID aid and economic benefits. The town received a payment of about half of its benefit in July. The money can only be used for specific things.

“Which includes responding to acute pandemic response needs, filling revenue shortfalls, and supporting populations of communities hardest hit,” West said.

West told the board that recovery funds must be obligated for an eligible use by Dec. 31, 2024, and the funds spent and work complete by Dec. 31, 2026.

“So there is some time that you have in implementing projects and putting together the funding,” West said.

West told the board that some of the eligible uses for the ARP redistribution can be measures that support travel and tourism, infrastructure spending and expanding broadband access.

The consultant told the board that public input is encouraged when determining ways to spend the money but that the town is not obligated to seek it. “But a lot of municipalities in New York State are establishing public comment periods, they are holding public hearings, some are doing online surveys so they can get some input from the public on how to utilize those funds,” she said.

West said that as a consultant, she will assist the town in submitting necessary annual reports and other required documentation with the federal government. She will also attend the necessary webinars, keep required records of Rescue Fund expenditures, determine eligibility of projects and help the town maintain compliance with the Treasury Department’s rules and regulations for the funding.

Town Supervisor Ann Carvill said the board had discussed possibly using the money to enhance Postwood Beach and Park, construct a new salt shed and help fund the various volunteer fire departments.

In the past, Strategic Development Specialists have consulted with the village of Massena and Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority on various projects and have assisted the City of Watertown on their DRI application.

Under the contract with the firm, the town is to pay Strategic Development Associates $5,000 per quarter for a period of one year from Oct. 29, 2021.