Investing in the Future: Southeastern Massachusetts Counties Allocate ARPA Funds for Stronger Communities
April 29, 2025 (BARNSTABLE, MA) – Counties across Southeastern Massachusetts have strategically allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address critical needs, including housing, infrastructure, public health, and economic recovery. With a federal obligation deadline of December 31, 2024, and expenditures continuing through 2026, these investments are designed to provide long-term benefits to residents of Southeast Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands. To ensure the effective use of these funds, county officials from Barnstable, Bristol, Plymouth, Norfolk, Nantucket, and Dukes counties recently convened at Barnstable County to review their ARPA-funded initiatives, exchange best practices, and explore regional collaboration opportunities to build on their progress.
Barnstable County: Addressing Housing, Water Quality, and Sustainability
Barnstable County allocated over $40 million in ARPA funds, prioritizing shelter and medical respite for homeless individuals, gap funding for affordable housing, and workforce housing initiatives. Additionally, $5 million in competitive grants supported local economic recovery, while $12.8 million funded regional water quality improvements, emergency management, and public health infrastructure. The county also directed $10 million to Cape Cod towns, primarily for water quality projects.
“By ensuring these funds are directed where they have the greatest impact, we are delivering lasting benefits for Cape Cod residents,” said Sheila Lyons, Chair of the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners. “This is a prime example of how regional government can effectively support and strengthen our communities by addressing shared priorities with strategic investment.”
Bristol County: Strengthening Infrastructure and Public Services
Bristol County allocated $109.8 million in ARPA funds to municipalities, with rigorous oversight ensuring compliance. Of 371 applications received, 266 were approved, supporting water and sewer infrastructure, public health programs, broadband expansion, and premium pay for essential workers.
“These funds created an exceptional opportunity for the communities in Bristol County to carry out projects which otherwise may not have been fiscally feasible,” said Commissioner Julie Ruggiero. “The funds were disbursed to meet the specific needs of each community post-pandemic, from creating safer roadways and better working conditions to improving water supplies and much more.”
Plymouth County: Enhancing Public Safety and Cybersecurity
Plymouth County obligated $101 million, emphasizing public safety, emergency response, and cybersecurity. Collaborations with Bridgewater State University and the Massachusetts Cyber Trust strengthened municipal digital defenses.
“Once again, Plymouth County managed an intricate and complex federal grant to the significant benefit of our local communities,” said Plymouth County Treasurer Thomas J. O’Brien. “Three years later, I can say without hesitation that this program was a win-win for both the municipalities and the county, in terms of ease regarding levels of review, reporting, and compliance.”
Norfolk County: Directing Funds to Municipal Priorities
Norfolk County allocated $133 million to its 28 cities and towns, prioritizing transparency and compliance. Funds supported water and sewer infrastructure, broadband expansion, and public health initiatives, with a streamlined application and auditing process ensuring efficiency.
“Three years later, at the conclusion of this stage of the grant, we can report the lowest administration costs of any county in Massachusetts, the highest percentage of funds directed to our cities and towns, and a projection that no unused funds will be returned to the federal government,” said Commission Chairman Joseph P. Shea.
Nantucket County: Sustaining Public Safety and Infrastructure
Nantucket County allocated its ARPA funds to maintain essential public safety services, including police, fire, and emergency response staffing. Additional investments were made in sewer infrastructure and workforce housing, such as Housing Nantucket’s Wiggles Way project, ensuring the community’s long-term resilience.
Dukes County: Strengthening Water Quality and Emergency Preparedness
Dukes County allocated nearly $3.4 million in ARPA funds to wastewater treatment, infrastructure improvements, and emergency preparedness. A steering committee, formed with town governments, prioritized nitrogen mitigation projects to improve water quality, expand housing capacity, and position the island for future funding.
Funds were directed to wastewater initiatives at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport Business Park, septic upgrades for income-qualified homeowners, and town-level infrastructure projects. An additional $100,000 was set aside for island-wide emergency response planning, with a portion retained for administrative costs in compliance with federal guidelines.
“This investment in our wastewater treatment systems is a testament to the commitment of the Dukes County Commission to preserving a healthy island water ecosystem for years to come,” said County Manager Martina Thornton. “I am equally excited about the Commission’s foresight in helping the towns with emergency preparedness planning, in light of changing weather patterns and increasing threats of natural disasters.”
A Regional Commitment to Long-Term Resilience
Through strategic investments, Southeastern Massachusetts counties have maximized ARPA funds to enhance the infrastructure, strengthen public health, and bolster economic resilience, ensuring lasting benefits for their communities.
About Barnstable County Regional Government of Cape Cod: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
Media Contact: Sonja Sheasley, Communications Coordinator (508) 375-6896
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