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Date: 9/27/2022
GRANBY – State Reps. Mindy Domb and Dan Carey joined the Granby Selectboard for their Sept. 19 meeting to give some updates on what the town’s representatives have done.
Carey began by describing some of his roles in the state house and updated the Selectboard that they should be expecting their fourth installment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding within the week. These funds will total $1.9 million for the town to spend as they see fit.
Carey also shared that with so many communities having similar problems coming out of the coronavirus pandemic that it made sense to secure funding for certain projects altogether instead of having communities use their ARPA funding for the same projects.
According to Carey, a $100 million dollar grant program for schools to update air ventilation and HVAC systems just opened applications for Massachusetts schools on the Sept. 19. This was a project that the Granby School Committee had been considering earlier in the year.
“We worked with Superintendent [Stephen] Sullivan on this and his ideas so you might want to throw your name in that hat,” Carey said.
He added it would be a competitive process, but this was a move many schools were looking to make after COVID-19.
Carey also shared that through working with his constituents in South Hadley for the Neighbors helping Neighbors food pantry (who also works with the Granby to Go food program) he was able to secure $100,000 as well as $40,000 specifically for Granby to Go. Carey added he was excited to share some of this news to update Granby residents on what has been going on from the state level.
“Every time we are at the State House, the two big things I always say every time is what about Western Mass. and bring that money on the pike,” Carey said.
Carey added he listens to his constituents as much as he can to guide his work as there are 19 representatives from the four Western Mass. counties, compared to 19 just from the City of Boston. Carey credited Domb for their partnership in representing the district.
“We’re lucky we came in together, learned the ropes together. We have worked shoulder to shoulder for Granby and so many other issues,” Carey said.
With the recent redistricting of counties, Domb and Carey both had no change in terms of representing the town outside of Domb now having precincts 1 and 2a in town. Selectboard Chair Glen Sexton showed appreciation for the representatives and their commitment to the town.
“When we talk about taxpayers, I think its so important that we do find a way to bring it back home. That’s the most important part and people do not recognize that,” Sexton said. “Being in Western Mass, we’re all fighting for the same money so its great to hear that the people we elected are trying to do what they can to bring some of that money back home after paying their fair share.”
Domb also took time to give some updates and speak with the Selectboard. She reminded the board that for the ARPA funding mentioned by Carey, they had until 2024 to commit the money to projects and by 2026 to spend that money.
Domb also noted to the board to keep a consistent line of communication between the two parties when looking for state assistance.
“I wanted to point out that when it comes to applying for grants, whether it’s HVAC or the new grant that just came out for schools, you should let us know. You got two [state representatives] and we don’t tip balance in favor, but we are a good box to check for grants for state,” Domb said. “We want to know, it tells us what the needs are in the town, and we can track and advocate for it.”
Domb added that she and Carey work completely together on all things Granby and that individually the two meant different things to residents but together they are working for all Granby residents. Sexton again spoke on behalf of the board in thanking the two representatives for their work and willingness to work with Granby.
“Both of you hit on a point I think is very important. When we speak about the town of Granby in its size, we’re not a large town, we’re a small town but to have two different reps representing us I think says a lot,” Sexton said.