ROCHESTER — A new vehicle for the Rochester Highway Department will be purchased using town American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The CAT 930 wheel loader has been on the department’s list for the Capital Planning Committee since the formation of the committee, Rochester Select Board chair Brad Morse said.

According to CAT, wheel loaders are used to handle and move materials.

At a Monday, Sept. 23 meeting, the Select Board voted to spend $245,150 of ARPA funds for the purchase, which leaves $66,850 remaining that needs to be allotted by December.

Select Board member Adam Murphy said this is a good opportunity to replace the vehicle, and noted it would be best to use ARPA funds to avoid “wiping out” capital planning funds.

Murphy said if capital funding was used, “we wouldn't have the ability to purchase any of the other needs we have for the community.”

The highway department's current wheel loader has been used for over 2300 hours, according to Highway Surveyor Jeff Eldridge.