It has been clear from the start that the federal infrastructure and stimulus funds related to the COVID crisis are a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for local governments.

In the parlance of government budget making, they would be called a “one-shot” revenue. Another, more formal description, would be to call them “non-recurring revenue.” They are funds not likely to be seen again. If not spent properly, they will be a lost opportunity for local government.

Since they are “one-shot” in nature, the logical way for local governments to spend them is to invest in needed infrastructure which is beyond their own capability to finance.

As an example, it was announced recently that Buffalo would be using a portion of its stimulus infrastructure grant on restoring an area called Times Beach which has been damaged and degraded by the continual onslaught of Lake Erie weather. The project had been planned for but was beyond the resources of the City of Buffalo to complete on its own. Congressman Higgins described it as a project “long needed” and now possible to complete because of this new federal infrastructure program.

Here, locally, I have been watching reports of disagreement between the City Council and Mayor of Jamestown as to how federal stimulus funds should be spent. It would seem to me that Jamestown should also be looking at projects like needed park restoration or infrastructure construction that is or has been beyond its own financial capability when it comes to spending these federal funds.

To Chautauqua County’s credit, they have “ear-tagged” a good portion of these federal funds for extending sewers around Chautauqua Lake. These sewer extensions are needed, yet are beyond the financial capability of the Sewer District or County to finance on their own. They are exactly the kind of project envisioned in the federal stimulus and infrastructure program.

The Towns and Cities of Chautauqua County should be employing a similar rationale with the federal monies they are receiving. Are there bridges whose construction has been delayed by lack of money? Are there old parks which need to be restored or rebuilt? Are there sewer or water line extensions that have been delayed because of insufficient funding?

Now, is a time of opportunity to address these needs. These federal “one-shots” likely won’t happen again in our life-time.

I have mentioned before in this column of the importance of state and federal funding in the initial construction of the South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District in the 1980s. The sewage treatment plant in Celoron and the extension of sewer lines and laterals up to and beyond Bemus Point would not have been possible without federal and state funding. We are fortunate that this infrastructure was built while money was available.

The same is true today. We likely won’t see federal aid like this again in our lifetimes. We need to consider this a time of opportunity to invest again in Chautauqua County. Will it be done? I hope so.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.