CPAC resources are allocated to projects relating to Open Space, Historic Preservation, Recreation, and Community Housing. The Community Preservation Act (CPA), adopted by Amherst voters in April 2001, established a local fund based on a 1% tax surcharge (later amended to 1.5% and then to the full 3%) on property valuations above $100,000 "for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open spa
ce; for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources; for the acquisition, creation and preservation of land for recreational use; for the acquisition, creation, preservation and support of community housing; and for the rehabilitation or restoration of open space, land for
recreational use and community housing that is acquired or created." The law also established a State Trust Fund, from which annual allocations are made to towns that have accepted the Act, partially or fully matching local appropriations. Local Appropriations are currently matched by the state between 15-20%. The Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) is charged with assessing the needs of the Town in those areas identified by the Act, and recommending relevant expenditures to Town Meeting. By state law, CPA funds are to be spent only on community housing, historic preservation, open space, and recreation. A minimum of 10% of the available funds (from the surcharge and the state match) must be set aside each year (although not necessarily spent) for each of three categories of community housing, historical preservation, and open space. Recreation is the fourth recipient, or beneficiary, but is not mandated to receive the minimum
10%.
