You are here:

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 was signed into law by Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, providing direct federal funding to cities and towns across the United States to support recovery efforts and long-term community investments. The Town of North East received approximately $3.3 million in ARPA funding and strategically allocated these resources across four key sectors: water infrastructure, the police department, the community park, and general infrastructure improvements. Through these investments, the Town has addressed a wide range of community needs, including enhancements to drinking water quality and reliability, improvements to public safety operations, upgrades to recreational amenities, and modernization of essential public infrastructure.

Furthermore, to best minimize stress to the town taxpayers, it has always been the Township’s model to leverage as many Local, State, and Federal programs as possible to provide high value capital funding, without the stress imposed on the Township’s limited budgetary resources. This catalog seeks to inform the public on the investments made in an effort to better our community on all fronts – infrastructure, whether visible or invisible, are critical to a vibrant and functional community for many years to come.

Download the Project Catalog PDF

Or Explore the Virtual Project Catalog:

North East Community Park

A total of $343,828.02 in ARPA funding was invested into improvements at North East Community Park to enhance accessibility, recreation, and overall visitor experience. Funding supported the renovation of public restrooms, construction of a new pavilion, installation of new playground and exercise equipment, accessibility upgrades including sidewalks and ramps, expanded recreational amenities such as volleyball courts and horseshoe pits, additional electrical access throughout the park, and the creation of the Veterans Memorial “Legacy Bricks.” These improvements have helped create a more modern, inclusive, and welcoming community space for residents and visitors alike.

Town Bathroom Renovation

Town Bathroom Renovation

The public restrooms located within North East Community Park have been renovated to better serve residents and visitors. Renovations included the installation of new porcelain fixtures, doors, windows, paint, flooring, partitions, hand dryers, and baby changing stations. These upgrades have created a more accessible, modern, and user-friendly facility for all park visitors.

New Large Pavillion

New Large Pavillion

A new 30 ft by 60 ft pavilion featuring a concrete pad, electrical outlets, picnic tables, and tin roofing sits conveniently next to the park’s playground and parking lot. This improved space provides a welcoming space for community gatherings and events.

Exercise Equipment

Exercise Equipment

New exercise stations installed along the park’s walking trail provide a more inclusive and well-rounded recreational experience for families and visitors of all ages. A variety of equipment are available to work different muscle groups, and some equipment are wheelchair accessible.

Sensory Playground Equipment

Sensory Playground Equipment

New sensor playground equipment has been added to the park, featuring inclusive design elements that encourage play and exploration for children of all abilities. The new equipment incorporates sensory-rich experiences through engaging textures, sounds, and interactive features, creating a welcoming environment that promotes learning, social interaction, and fun for all visitors.

Veteran’s Memorial

Veteran’s Memorial

The addition of the Veterans Memorial “Legacy Bricks” honors those who have served or are currently serving in the United States Military. These commemorative bricks provide a lasting tribute to the men and women who have contributed to our nation’s freedom. The Town is always seeking to add more bricks annually, to inquire about inclusion, please contact North East Town Hall.

Electrical Outlets/Access

Electrical Outlets/Access

New electrical outlets have been installed throughout the park to provide convenient access to power in multiple areas.

Volleyball and Horseshoe Recreation Options

Volleyball and Horseshoe Recreation Options

New sand volleyball courts and horseshoe pits have been added to expand the recreational opportunities available at the park for residents and visitors. These additions provide new spaces for outdoor recreation, friendly competition, and community engagement, while enhancing the overall park experience. League play is also offered and hosted by Cecil County Parks and Recreation should you be interested in organized play.

Handicap Accessible Sidewalks/Ramps

In an effort to improve accessibility throughout the park, new sidewalks and ramps have been constructed to provide safer and easier access to the park’s pavilions. These improvements help ensure that residents and visitors of all abilities can more comfortably enjoy the park’s amenities and community spaces.

General Infrastructure Upgrades

A total of $445,368.90 in ARPA funding was invested in general infrastructure upgrades throughout North East to improve public safety, accessibility, operational efficiency, and community appearance. Funding supported the repaving and renovation of public parking areas, sidewalk and drainage improvements, upgrades to public restrooms, streetscape and wayfinding enhancements, improvements to town facilities, exterior repair, and the installation of a new video message board to strengthen communication with residents and visitors. Collectively, these projects have enhanced the functionality, safety, and visual appeal of key public facilities and infrastructure throughout the Town.

Main Street Wayfinding and Streetscapes

South Main Street has been enhanced with decorative streetscape poles and seasonal banners that contribute to the charm and welcoming character of downtown North East. Furthermore, to improve wayfinding for pedestrians and drivers alike, new signs have been installed to assist visitors in finding landmarks and parking, helping to improve both aesthetics and functionality throughout the area.

Municipal Parking Lot

Municipal Parking Lot

The municipal parking lot located between S Main Street and S Mauldin Avenue has been milled and repaved to improve parking, accessibility, and pedestrian safety for residents and visitors.

Public Restrooms

Public Restrooms

The public restrooms located at the municipal parking lot have been renovated with modern fixtures, slip-resistant flooring, and other upgrades designed to enhance accessibility, safety, and the overall visitor experience.

Repaving and Drainage Improvements at NEPD

Repaving and Drainage Improvements at NEPD

The parking lot at the North East Police Department has been repaved, with curb and drainage improvements incorporated to support effective stormwater management. These upgrades were completed as part of ongoing preparation for the newly arrived Chief Darrell Hamilton administrative building.

Sidewalk Repairs

Sidewalk Repairs

Repairs have been completed to the sidewalks near the North East Fire Company to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety, while also supporting more efficient access to and operations around the station.

Maintenance Yard

Maintenance Yard

The Maintenance Yard parking lot has been paved and upgraded to improve operational efficiency and better support the daily use, maneuverability, and storage of heavy equipment utilized by the Maintenance Department.

Siding Repairs

Siding Repairs

Tin siding replacement and exterior improvements have been completed at the Leslie Water Treatment Plant to enhance the facility’s structural integrity and durability. These upgrades provide increased protection against environmental conditions while helping to preserve and safeguard critical equipment for long-term operation.

Video Message Board

Video Message Board

A new video message board has been installed to enhance communication and community engagement between residents and visitors during town events and activities.

Water Infrastructure Improvements

A total of $3,305,994.15 in ARPA funding was invested in water infrastructure improvements to enhance treatment capacity, system reliability, and long-term service quality for residents. These funds supported the implementation of advanced filtration systems, sediment removal, installation of upgraded SCADA systems, completion of watermain upgrades, and emergency backup systems to support continued, uninterrupted water service delivery.

Powdered Activated Carbon

Powdered Activated Carbon

A new filtration system has been implemented at the Rolling Mill and Leslie Water Treatment Plants for total organic carbon removal. This advanced system will enhance the water treatment and purification process while improving the taste and odor.

Leslie Water Treatment Plant Sediment Removal

Leslie Water Treatment Plant Sediment Removal

Sediment that has built up in the water treatment pond at the Leslie Water Treatment Plant has been removed in order to restore the pond’s original storage capacity. This will improve the amount of time raw water is able to settle before entering the treatment facility, helping maintain efficient plant performance and high water quality.

SCADA Infrastructure

SCADA Infrastructure

Advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems will be installed to enhance efficiency, automation, and real-time monitoring at the Town’s Water Treatment Plants. These systems will allow operators to track plant operations more effectively and make timely adjustments, improving overall reliability and performance.

Westover Place Watermain Upgrade

Westover Place Watermain Upgrade

Westover Place

The Town has completed upgrades to aging watermain infrastructure in the Westover Place area to improve overall water distribution, system reliability, and service consistency. These improvements help reduce the risk of leaks and breaks, enhance water pressure stability, and support the long-term resilience of the distribution system for residents and businesses in the area.

Essential Equipment

The Town has purchased new operational equipment, including water meters, turbidity meters, valves, transmitters, analyzers, and clarifiers, and updated its 20-year master plan to support improved water treatment processes and the continued delivery of high-quality water service. In addition, the Town acquired a tow-behind generator and installed manual emergency power switches at pumping stations to ensure backup power during extended outages.

Police Department Improvement Projects

A total of $519,718.02 in ARPA funding was invested in Police Department improvement projects to support the continued growth, modernization, and operational readiness of the North East Police Department. These funds were used in the conversion of a new administrative facility, the equipment of officers with secure laptops and essential personal equipment to enhance officer safety and performance. Additionally, funding supported the purchase of two new police vehicles to accommodate department expansion and improve emergency response capabilities and community patrol operations.

NEPD Administration Building

NEPD Administration Building

Due to departmental expansion and the increasing demands of modern policing, the former North East Branch of the Cecil County Public Library has been repurposed into a new administrative facility for the North East Police Department. This renovation will provide essential operational space and improved accommodations for current and future staff, including updated layouts, modern furnishings, and necessary interior construction to support long-term departmental growth and efficiency.

Secure Laptops for the Entire Department

Secure Laptops for the Entire Department

To enhance mobility and ensure secure, reliable access to critical information in the field, the North East Police Department is equipping all officers with new, secure laptops. In accordance with departmental standards, officers receive updated devices on a recurring cycle to maintain operational effectiveness and cybersecurity compliance.

Procurement of Personal Equipment for Officers

Procurement of Personal Equipment for Officers

Procurement of Personal Equipment for Officers

As part of the North East Police Department’s ongoing commitment to officer safety and operational readiness, new tasers, portable radios, rifles, pistols, and body armor have been acquired. These essential tools enhance officer performance, communication, and protection in the line of duty.

Two New Police Vehicles

To enhance the North East Police Department fleet, two new police vehicles have been acquired to support the addition of two new officers as the department continues to expand. These vehicles provide increased flexibility, reliability, and capability for emergency response and routine community patrols, strengthening overall public safety operations.

Press Releases