Amherst has many critical infrastructure needs that factor into the town capital budget planning. The largest of these needs are the renovation or replacement of four major buildings:

• Elementary school building to replace Fort River and Wildwood elementary schools
• The Jones Library
• Department of Public Works (DPW)
• Fire and EMS station

Information about these projects, including background presentations and videos, is available on the Capital Planning page on the Town website. Discussions and planning for these projects in some cases began nearly 20 years ago, and to date two of the four projects are in progress after major State funding was awarded.

How will the Town finance these major projects?

This presentation from February, 2021 describes the plan for funding the four capital projects. The feasibility of completing all four projects depends in large part on the opportunity to access significant funding from State funding authorities: the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).

Elementary School Building Project

The Elementary School Building Project is directed by the Town’s Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC). The committee includes representatives from the Town Council, Town staff, School Committee, school district staff, as well as community members. Committee meeting agendas and minutes are available on the Town website.

Project information is available on the project website.

Read articles about the project on The Amherst Current.

Jones Library Building Project

The Jones Library Building Project is directed by the Town’s Jones Library Building Committee (JLBC). The committee includes representatives from the Town Council, Town staff, Library Trustees, Library staff, as well as community members. Committee meeting agendas and minutes are available on the Town website.

Project information is available on the project website.

Read articles about the project on The Amherst Current.