Fair Haven categorized as economically distressed
FAIR HAVEN—At the Jan. 17 Select Board meeting, Durfee said that the town may qualify for New Market Tax Credits, a U.S. Treasury program designed to spur economic development activity in economically disadvantaged communities throughout the country. With a median family income at or below 60 percent of Area Median Income, poverty rate at or above 30 percent, and unemployment at least 1.5 times the national rate, Fair Haven is categorized as a designated “severe distress” area.
This designation may benefit several projects that have been on hold for a number of years.
Water line improvement project gets low public response
FAIR HAVEN—In an attempt to determine financing terms for the town’s water line improvement project, the town of Fair Haven recently mailed an income survey to residents. At the Select Board meeting Jan. 17, there were complaints that the survey asked “invasive” questions. Town Manager Herb Durfee responded that the survey is voluntary, it may result in a lower interest rate on the bond payback, with significant savings to rate payers, and the town does not see individual results, only the aggregate.
The survey was conducted by a contractor, RCAP Solutions, with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at no cost to the town. He also reminded the public that the project was “overwhelmingly approved by voters,” although voter turnout was low. It was noted that very few residents have turned out for budget preparation meetings, and only three attended the recent informational forum to discuss the water line’s impact. Engineering firm Aldrich and Elliot plans to present engineering information on the project’s Step 3 during the Jan. 31 Select Board meeting.
School talk
Fair Haven Union High School recently announced that events at the school’s gymnasium have been nearing its 700-spectator capacity. The school advises that individuals planning to attend should arrive early or run the risk of being turned away.
Students at Poultney Elementary who are not going up to Pico to ski are taking part in such “fun Friday” activities as bowling in Granville, or staying on the school campus to learn computer coding, Spanish, cooking, and other activities during this six-week program.
