City Council approves American Rescue Plan funding for broad range of projects
Nearly $16 million will benefit city’s long-term growth through investment in parks, infrastructure and development
The Wilson City Council approved a $16 million plan Thursday morning that would transform many areas of the city with infrastructure, economic, housing and recreation projects.
The investment would use funds received by the city under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, approved by Congress in spring 2021. The ARP funds were authorized for specific types of projects related to minimizing the impacts of COVID-19 and making investments in infrastructure such as water, sewer and broadband.
Highlights of the project plan include a new splash pad at Reid Street Recreation Center; expansion of RIDE, Wilson’s public micro-transit program; major improvements at Wiggins Mill Reservoir Park; and commercial redevelopment projects including the former Wilson Mall.
“These projects reach every corner of the City of Wilson,” said Mayor Carlton Stevens. “There isn’t a part of the city that will not benefit from the projects in this plan.”
Other City Council members affirmed that thought as the project plan was unanimously approved. Nearly all the projects had been previously included in the city’s capital improvement projects budget or been discussed frequently during City Council meetings.
Wilson was allocated $15,762,456.88 through ARP. Half of the funding was received in 2021 and the second half is expected July 2022. Work on the projects will begin as soon as possible, with individual project timelines in development. All projects must be complete by December 31, 2026.
“We were intentional in recommending projects that already had expressed support from the City Council and the public, gained through prior planning and community input processes,” said City Manager Grant Goings. “This should help us get started quickly, as we anticipate construction and materials challenges as local governments across the country initiate similar projects. We intend to be good stewards of these funds and put them to work making our community better.”
Projects
- Kenan & Jackson Street water, sewer, and storm drain improvements $1,750,000
Addresses long-standing draining issues in the area
- Sewer outfall repair $1,000,000
Repairs sewer lines in the NC-42 area
- RIDE expansion $2,000,000
Allow hours expansion and additional vehicles to meet growing demand
- Housing redevelopment $2,000,000
Implement housing recommendations of recent city planning efforts such as the US 301 Redevelopment Plan
- Commercial redevelopment $2,000,000
Pursue redevelopment of former Wilson Mall
- Gig East programs $1,000,000
Provide longer-range funding for RIoT support of local entrepreneurs and expand digital training for tech careers
- Demolition of substandard structures $1,850,000
- Splash pad at Reid Street Community Center $1,250,000
- Wiggins Mill Reservoir Park renovation $2,500,000
- Public Safety Video Analytics software $280,000
- Employee vaccine incentive reimbursement $120,000
More information will soon be provided on each project at wilsonnc.org.
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