The Presque Isle City Council has approved $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase a backup generator for the Sargent Family Community Center. This will enable the center to serve as an emergency shelter during power outages.
The funding will come from the city’s remaining ARPA balance, which must be allocated by the end of 2024. The decision follows a December 12 power outage that affected nearly 70% of local customers. Although power was restored within 12 hours, the event highlighted the need for reliable backup power.
Facilities Director Tyler Clark estimated that the cost of backup generators for both the community center and The Forum would be $150,000 each. Clark also considered generators for City Hall and the library, at about $100,000 each, but the priority was given to larger spaces suitable for shelters.
City Manager Tyler Brown and Fire Chief Darrell White both emphasized the importance of the community center as an emergency shelter, noting its control by the city. The council also approved using remaining ARPA funds for paving projects.
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