The American Legion Post 249 hall in downtown will be remodeled and brought up to 100 percent American with Disabilities compliance by July.
It is thanks to efforts by Supervisor Sonny Dhaliwal to get his colleagues on the county board to augment an original allocation of $789,500 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds with an additional $340,000.
That brings the total for the Manteca post to $1,129,950.
The board on Tuesday also directed:
*$39,129 more to American Legion Post 190 in Ripon (for an overall total of $748,500).
*$22,000 more to American Legion Post 172 in Tracy (for an overall total of $900.472).
*$81,376 more to American Legion Post 16 in Stockton (for an overall total of $723,323).
Supervisor Robert Rockman was an advocate for additional funding for the Ripon and Tracy posts.
The money directed to the county during the pandemic, was designed to help the Legion posts with facility needs.
Post 249 Commander Jeff Aksland and finance officer Richard Silverman were at Tuesday’s supervisors’ meeting.
The Legion is still fundraising to help pay for minor odds and ends to complement the new hall, such as storage cabinets, office furniture, tables, dinnerware, utensils, a new mailbox, new flag, and such.
Donations are being accepted to help cover costs.
A ravioli drive-thru fundraiser dinner is planned for March 31 as well.
The Legion post secured $789,500 almost two years ago from the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors to renovate the facility to wed with what funds the veterans group had at the time for what originally was projected to be an $800,000 project.
Given it involved federal COVID-19 relief pass through funding; it requires the use of a contractor that pays prevailing wages.
The process first got bogged down with architectural issues.
Once that was cleared up, a contractor was secured.
But then the contractor pulled out.
After a long delay, another contractor was obtained.
But by then the construction costs — as well as that for required commercial kitchen appliances and a solar power system — skyrocketed.
Concerned that further delays would continue to diminish the “buying power” of what funds they had, the Legion was able to work out an arrangements with the contractor.
DL Builders — a local contractor — agreed to start the work.
The plan was when the money ran out, they would stop work until the Legion secured additional funding.
The Legion Hall, based on its pre-construction configuration, has a capacity for 110 people.
The hall was built in 1929.
The project involves:
*Relocating bathrooms to the front area of the hall. They were accessed via stairs and narrow passages at the rear of the building.
*The front area will include a new office and storage space.
*The basement below the stage — where kitchen was located — is being converted to storage space.
*The stage area is being removed and replaced with a modern kitchen and bar area.
*The entire inside will have new flooring, lighting, and fans.
*Wrought iron fencing will secure the plaza area in front of the hall as well as an area to the rear.
Supervisors award
other ARPA funding
Overall, the board Tuesday approved $2,136,667 to help veterans’ organizations and fire districts complete previously approved projects facing funding shortfalls, using interest accrued from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
An additional $1 million was allocated to the Joint Radio Users Group (JRUG) for long-term radio maintenance, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to public safety and community support.
“Ensuring public safety and supporting our veterans remain top priorities for this Board. These funds will help complete vital community projects and sustain essential services for years to come,” said Board Chair Paul Canepa. “
“This investment is a small but meaningful way to honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation and our community. We are grateful for their service.”
ARPA was established to help local governments respond to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19. On August 13, 2024, the Board allocated the remaining ARPA funds to various projects. As of January 31, 2025, the ARPA fund accrued $5,037,466 in interest, which is now being used to supplement existing initiatives in accordance with federal guidelines.
Several veteran organizations and fire districts previously awarded ARPA funding have encountered unexpected cost increases. In response, the County Administrator’s Office recommended allocating interest funds to ensure these projects reach completion.
"I want to commend the County Administrator, Treasurer, and staff for their outstanding stewardship of our resources,” added Canepa.
“ Through careful management, they not only maximized the ARPA funds we received but also generated an additional $5 million — money that is now being reinvested directly into our community. Their dedication ensures that every dollar works harder for the people of San Joaquin County, creating lasting benefits for our residents.”
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
