Following is a press release from the Connor For First Selectman Camp:
During the September 8, 2021 Orange Board of Selectmen meeting, First Selectman Jim Zeoli incorrectly stated that funds from the American Relief Program could not be allocated to address recent flooding.
Mr. Zeoli, in response to victims of two recent floods, ignored or was unaware of guidance from the United States Treasury Department which explicitly states that the funds allocated to the town could be used to address stormwater and wastewater infrastructure.
Zeoli responded to an inquiry from a concerned citizen asking whether federal funds could be used to address the flooding by pointing to an incorrect interpretation of the resources allocated to Orange by the American Relief Fund.
“We have $2,063,000.16 I think… and it’s dedicated for COVID-type issues… that’s where the money is limited to.” Mr. Zeoli stated.
Mr. Zeoli went on to say “When you read the fine print… all the glitters are not gold.”
“It appears that it is actually Mr. Zeoli who has not read the fine print, as the United States Treasury Department has stated clearly that these funds can be used to support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.” said Connor Deane, Democratic Candidate for First
Selectman.
Use of funds guidance, as written by the Treasury Department, includes the following language:
Recipients may use these funds to:
Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet
Additionally, the Treasury Department states that “recipients have broad flexibility to decide how best to use this funding to meet the needs of their communities.”
“As the residents of Orange continue to struggle through this recent flooding, it is critical that our elected officials have a firm understanding of local, state, and federal laws. Anything less only harms our community and its residents.” Deane said.
More information about the allocation of the American Rescue plan funds can be found here.
Mr. Zeoli’s statements can be found here.
