Mayor Sarno stated, “I want to thank Forest Park Zoo Executive Director Sarah Tsitso and her team, Board President Nathan Bazinet and Board VP Dan Burack, for meeting with me and my ARPA team as my Administration continues with our citywide listening tour on how we can get the most out of our local ARPA funding. We had a good and productive meeting discussing not only our local city ARPA funding but how the Forest Park Zoo can lobby our state delegation to access the $5.2 billion the State Legislature is going to be allocating. I had previous met with our local state delegation and my Administration will continue to work with our State Representatives and State Senators to make sure that our City of Springfield and the great organizations and agencies like our beloved Forest Park Zoo are able to be considered for state ARPA funding too.”
In addition to today’s meetings, Mayor Sarno and city officials have now met with 24 organizations, agencies, non-profits and the following neighborhood councils; Hungry Hill, East Springfield, Maple High Six Corners, McKnight, Old Hill, Upper Hill, Indian Orchard Citizens Council, New North Citizens Council, Sixteen Acres Civic Association and Outer Belt Civic Association. Additional neighborhood council and nonprofit meetings are scheduled.