Shrewsbury Still Has Millions From Pandemic Stimulus: Upcoming Forum

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury still has a few million to spend from the town's pandemic stimulus grant, and you can help shape plans for the extra cash.

On Dec. 13, the Select Board and town leaders will hold a forum at the senior center to get feedback on what to do with the second phase of stimulus funds from the $350 billion American Rescue Plan Act, commonly known as ARPA.

Shrewsbury received about $11.5 million from the federal government through the stimulus program. The money is being delivered to cities and towns across the country in two phases. The first round of money came around June 2021, and the second phase arrived in recent months.

The town has already allocated about $4 million of the ARPA funds to a variety of pandemic-related projects, including HVAC upgrades at school and town buildings, funding mental health programs through Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services and relief for local businesses.

The U.S. Department of Treasury has issued rules around what cities and towns can use ARPA funds for. Municipalities can't the money for things like filling pension funds, paying down debt or reducing taxes. But apart from those restrictions, the money is available for a wide range of uses, from improving internet access to building new recreation facilities.

The Dec. 13 forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the senior center, 98 Maple Ave. Call or email the town manager at (508) 841-8508 and manager@shrewsburyma.gov with questions.