State Sen. John Velis Announces $50,000 in ARPA Funding for American Legion Post 185

FEEDING HILLS — With the recent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding legislation signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker, state Sen. John Velis presented earmark funding of $50,000 to American Legion Post 185, to fund much-needed maintenance and improvements to Post 185’s existing building in Feeding Hills.

Velis was joined at American Legion Post 185 by Post Commander Wayne Keating, City Counselor Anthony Russo, members of American Legion Post 185, and members of the greater Agawam community. With the funding secured, Post 185 will move forward with plans for a new roof and insulation, among other improvements to the facility.

“On a physical level, this earmark will ensure that Post 185 can make the much-needed repairs to their existing infrastructure,” Velis said. “More broadly, the renovations are critical in supporting veterans of the past, present, and future. To have a welcoming space for veterans to congregate, organize, and engage is absolutely necessary in encouraging participation.”

With the roof leaking and causing damage to the building’s insulation, the repairs are “greatly needed,” Keating said.

American Legion Post 185 hopes to quickly move forward with the repairs in anticipation of the fall and winter months.