Allen Parish and its incorporated communities will be receiving money from the recent stimulus package (American Rescue Plan – ARP) signed by President Joe Biden, but leaders are waiting for how those federal dollars can be utilized. All were excited to know some new revenue would be coming into their budgets, but they were waiting to see how the money could be spent.
Earlier this week, Kinder’s Mayor Wayland LaFargue said they were waiting to conduct a conference call on Thursday to see how the money could be used. Regardless, LaFargue said it was a “blessing, anytime money comes into the city.” He said with the back-to-back hurricanes, ice storm and Covid-19, the extra money would be a plus for Kinder.
He said Kinder does have some ongoing FEMA projects but they take time. He said the community has been busy putting those projects into motion, and the code officer has been visiting neighborhoods to make sure everyone is cleaning up their area. He said the officer and the citizens were doing a “good job in cleaning up.”
Kinder will receive $873,143.
Oakdale’s Mayor Gene Paul also was excited about the money. He said Oakdale lost money in tax dollars, waived a lot of late fees in sewer and water usage, didn’t require citizens to pay water bills for months, so any little bit of money helps. “We’re prepared to do whatever we have to do to get our share. We’d be tickled to death to get it.”
Like the other mayors, Paul is waiting to see what the requirements will be to utilize those federal dollars. He said hopefully they will know more by the time they had the conference call. He did know that the initial requirements were linking the money to investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.”
Oakdale will receive $2,787,938.
In Oberlin, the town is in a financial crunch trying to utilize every dollar in its budget wisely. Oberlin’s Mayor Joseph “Moochie” Manuel said, “It will be a big help. We can do some good with it. It’s going to really help us. I’m excited.”
Manuel and the council have been eyeing purchasing equipment to help with the infrastructure of the town and utilize dollars in other areas beneficial to the community. Manuel said he and the council along with the workers are excited what these dollars will mean to Oberlin.
Oberlin will receive $637,896.
In Reeves, Mayor Chris Guillory said they are still in rebuilding stages after the hurricane. They have lost the Reeves City Park and the village’s town hall. They are still working from a trailer which is parked in front of their town hall.
“It will definitely help the village,” he said. He’s hoping the restrictions will help the town get back on track. “Every little bit helps.”
Reeves will receive $89,969.
The parish, through the Allen Parish Police Jury, will receive $4,970,198.84.
Elizabeth will receive $198,006. Mayor Mandy Green said she didn’t know how much they were receiving, but said she has been calling different people asking for help. Elizabeth’s city hall is a historical building, and she is trying to secure funds to assist the community in making repairs to the structure. The village had to relocate its city government (formerly located at 230 Poplar Street) to the Elizabeth Community Center (210 E. Main Street) at the end of February.
Other allocations for nearby communities include:
Basile $657,439
Elton $420,716
Fenton $132,373
Glenmora $483,769
Iowa $1,166,649
