Grafton gets ready to spend its millions in ARPA funding

Sidewalks. The return of a skate park. A new radio system for the police and fire departments. Pickleball!

The town has spent months looking at possible projects to fund through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), wading through department needs and resident requests.

The top priority: $2.5 million to replace the 57-year-old HVAC system at Grafton Middle School.

Town Administrator Evan Brassard told the Select Board Tuesday that sidewalks were at the top of the list from a public survey, but there’s a catch: sidewalk projects are expensive due to the cost of land takings. He suggested that the $750,000 on the list may be used for sidewalks near the North Street Elementary School.

The most enthusiastic demand? Pickleball courts, and their fans are very persistent.

“We have to do something so they’ll stop contacting us,” joked Brassard.

ARPA funds may also bring about a long-delayed project — the construction of a skate park to replace the one that was demolished to make way for Grafton High School.

Also on the list:

• A joint water project in North Grafton with the Grafton Water Department and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University;
• Money for painting and repairs to the South Grafton Community House;
• A new radio system for the police and fire departments, which will replace an outdated syastem;
• Upgrades to the town’s website.

The recommendations are being sent back to the ARPA Committee to adjust the final figures.

Something went wrong!

Help support Grafton’s only independent source of news with a donation!