10.31.2023 - Press Conference

A press conference was held at Kennedy Park in Fall River, Massachusetts, on October 31, 2023, to highlight recent improvements and acquisitions for city departments. Mayor Paul Coogan announced the purchase of new street sweepers and a hot box machine, funded through ARPA money, which are intended to enhance city cleanliness, improve water quality by preventing debris from entering storm drains, and facilitate winter pothole repairs. The Mayor emphasized the importance of these additions for the Department of Community Utilities and the Department of Community Maintenance.

Additionally, the Fall River Department of Emergency Services announced an expansion of its ambulance coverage. This includes bringing back 24-hour ambulance service to the Candace/Maplewood Park area with Medic 6, and adding a new 12-hour rescue truck for high-impact hours (6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.) operating from the center station. This expansion ensures all neighborhoods have 24/7 coverage, with the new 12-hour truck expected to be operational around November 13th. Speakers also detailed the cost of the new equipment, with two street sweepers costing $300,000 each, and a total ARPA allocation of $950,000 for these and an additional vacuum sweeper. Residents were encouraged to clean up leaves from their yards and gutters to support the city's efforts in maintaining water quality and preventing flooding.

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