BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

MASSENA — The Village of Massena will receive a total of $1.04 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.

That’s according to Mayor Tim Ahlfeld who shared the news with fellow trustees July 20 at the regular board meeting.

Ahlfeld said he is hopeful the funding can be used as an investment in the community that brings returns for years to come. He said it’s a one-time influx of funding that can’t be relied on in the future so it’s important to ensure the village gets a return on spending it.

He suggested roundtables be held with local business owners and encouraged ideas from citizens.

“We don’t want to do it in a bubble,” he said, adding that he wanted to ensure the village spends the funding wisely.

Ahlfeld mentioned cyber security as one potential area where a portion of the money could be used.

The federal funding is intended to replace lost revenue for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs and help stabilize economies, households and businesses.

The funds are intended to provide flexibility for governments to meet local needs—including support for households, small businesses, impacted industries, essential workers, and the communities hardest hit by the crisis

These funds can also be used to make necessary investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.

Massena will receive the funding in two dispersants, one this summer and one in the summer of 2022.