News

TRACKING ARP: Fletcher

By Amy B. McCraw, Published: August 11, 2022

The Town of Fletcher is considering several options for the $2.6 million it received from the American Rescue Plan Act, Town Manager Mark Biberdorf said.

Top possibilities include expanding the Cane Creek Greenway to the Meritor manufacturing plant and working with Henderson County to construct a new library. Another option involves providing sewer service to some areas in town that remain unserved.

  “I haven’t received a clear definitive from council,” Biberdorf said.

 The town could also follow the lead of some other municipalities and use the money to cover employee salaries. That option would allow the town to then use the savings it sees from having salaries paid to fund projects without having to determine if those projects are allowed under the ARP, Biberdorf said.

 “It’s been a real hassle to ascertain what it can be used for,” he said. “They still have a lot of strings attached.”

 Local governments have until 2024 to decide how to use ARP money and until 2026 to spend the funds.

 “You don’t have forever to decide,” Biberdorf said. “The clock is running.”