(Atlantic) The Atlantic City Council agreed to apply for financial assistance with the USDA Department of Agriculture Rural Development to finance a portion of the Atlantic Animal Shelter expansion project.
The Animal Shelter is requesting funds under this program, specifically, for $50,000 for cat cages, cabinets, shelves, a utility cart, cage accessories, replacing kennel doors, epoxy floors and walls, exam table, and a scale. A portion of the funds goes towards the new addition. The remaining funds will go into the old building.
The USDA funds cover 35-percent of the costs of a project, which total $142,857.14 would need to be spent, with $92,857.14 coming from the City as the grant match. Since the City awarded the bid for the Animal Shelter additional project to Henningsen Construction for $215,422 during the April 7, 2021 meeting, the City will easily meet the grant match requirement.
During the March 3 City Council meeting, the Council approved an application by the Library for a $28,340 grant application to the USDA to purchase new computers, computer desks, related equipment, flooring, and the painting of the upper level of the building.
During the April 7 City Council meeting, the Council approved an application by the Fire Department to buy a fire hose under the same program for $2,750.00. The USDA will finance $962.50, and the City’s Fire Equipment Reserve covers the $1,787.50.