I welcomed the Daily Sentinel’s article on March 16, regarding the American Rescue Plan Act Funds allocated to the City of Utica. The list of projects agreed upon by Mayor Robert Palmieri and the community includes dozens of items for public safety, parks, public
works and home and community projects.

Most of the funds were allocated for important and needed infrastructure projects such as street paving, park enhancements and a Utica Zoo Welcome Center.

Less visible, but also essential and beneficial for our community’s welfare, are programs such as college preparation for disadvantaged youth, childcare, and gun violence prevention.

These projects and programs impact the quality of life for all citizens of Utica as well as the surrounding area.

I remind your readers that the 2021 American Rescue Plan funding, a response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, was provided by President Joe Biden and the Democratic majority Congress without any Republican support.

— Carolyn McAleese, president, Oneida County Democratic Women’s Club Member, Indivisible Mohawk Valley