Nearly $25 Million In Federal Rescue Funds Will Go To Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield will receive $24.8 million over a two-year period from the federal government as part of the Federal American Rescue Plan Act. The town is holding an online informational workshop to discuss how best to use the funds.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick will present a list of priorities 5:30 p.m. Monday, and allow elected officials to comment and ask questions, before opening the conversation up to members of the community.

“There are six main areas of focus for the projects we selected based on the criteria established in the federal act," Kupchick said in a town news release. "My goal is to touch all parts of town in an effort to provide some benefit to a majority of residents. These focus areas are public safety, economic development, quality of life: recreation, arts & culture, mental health/social services, the environment, and town modernization and infrastructure.”

The Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting have been invited to provide input. Members are encouraged to weigh in during the meeting, and over the next month and a half. In September, a final list will be presented to each board for approval.

“I worked to put the best list forward after looking at projects on the town’s capital improvement plan, which town boards update every year, meeting with department heads and talking to the social services sector about the increased needs from COVID," Kupchick said in the news release. "I look forward to feedback from the BOS, BOF, RTM and Fairfield residents.”

The agenda and instructions to log in and participate in Monday's workshop can be found here. Members of the public who cannot call in are encouraged to email their thoughts to Kupchick at firstselectwoman@fairfieldct.org.

The American Rescue Plan Act allocated over $65 billion to municipalities throughout the country. Connecticut towns and cities will receive $2.55 billion statewide, with $1.56 billion to general government and an additional $995 million to boards of education.