AMHERST, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Two western Massachusetts communities are racing against the clock trying to figure out if they’ll lose federal funding in just two weeks. The uncertainty is leaving local officials scrambling to identify which programs and services could be at risk.

Imagine being told your budget could be cut in 14 days, but no one can tell you by how much or which programs will be affected. That’s the reality for officials in Amherst and Northampton. They’re reviewing every federal dollar they receive, trying to figure out what might disappear.

The clock is ticking. February 1st is just two weeks away, and that’s when the Trump Administration plans to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities nationwide.

Amherst and Northampton are two of eight Massachusetts communities that could be impacted. Both limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Some also offer social benefits to immigrants lacking legal status.

Local officials said they haven’t been contacted directly about any funding cuts. They don’t know how much money is at stake, and they don’t know which programs might be affected. That could mean anything from police equipment grants to road repair funding. From senior meal programs to community development projects. Amherst’s Town Manager told us they’re trying to prepare for what might be cut. Northampton’s Mayor’s Office declined to comment.

With just 14 days until the deadline, we did reach out to Congressman Richard Neal’s office to see if this is legal but have not yet heard back. We’ll be tracking which specific programs could be at risk and what it could mean for taxpayers.

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