New Hampshire Governor, Chris Sununu, presented a proposal to use $13.8 million in remaining American Rescue Plan Act Funds during the state’s legislative fiscal committee last week and wound up re-allocating funds that were intended to be used on a mental heath facility in Londonderry.
Sununu explained that the funds were once allocated for a project in Londonderry, which would have created a behavioral health hospital in town.
“The source of the funding is the $15 million ARPA grant that we had previously given. I think everyone was very excited to give to Solution Health. This was… going on what 18 months to two years ago now,” Sununu said.
The Londonderry Planning Board had previously given its approval for a site plan, with the condition that the Town Council approves a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), related to public safety and municipal resources.
“The condition of approval specifically requires that the Londonderry Town Council approve that Memorandum of Understanding,” Town Attorney, Megan Carrier, previously explained.
Sununu explained that the money “has recently been returned when in a very last minute decision, the Londonderry Town Council voted against an MOU that would have allowed this critical new mental health hospital to move forward. I think everyone was excited about that.”
In September, the Town Council rejected a proposed MOU, which would’ve provided the town with $5 million in funding to help with the municipal strains from the facility, mainly being public safety.
Town Councilor, John Farrell, and Vice Chair, Ted Combes, voted in support of the MOU, while Town Council Chair, Chad Franz, along with councilors, Ron Dunn and Shawn Faber, voted to reject the proposal, mainly over the concern, that the $5 million may not be enough funding to help with public safety.
“I don’t mind saying I think it was a completely foolish decision by the Town of Londonderry, it took us all by surprise, but be that as it may, we have $15 million returned to us,” Sununu said.
As of now, Solution Health’s plan to build the mental heath facility near Manchester Regional Airport, in Londonderry, will not be happening.