Cities and counties await American Rescue Plan funding

The general public has company in waiting for a stimulus check to arrive.  Local governments are also scheduled to receive a financial shot in the arm as a result of the pandemic.  The $1.9 trillion dollar relief bill earmarks billions for states… cities… schools…and tribal governments.

Grand Forks share of the pie is expected to exceed $11.3 million dollars.  Grand Forks County is looking at up $13 million.  City Administrator Todd Feland says the money comes with a few string attached.  ” COVID related activities…economic recovery and development activities – much of that revolving around moving forward from the pandemic and then there is infrastructure.”

Feland says the money will come in two phases – half in the next 60 days and the other half next year.  In addition the city has $1.2 million left over as a result of a previous appropriation.

He says how the money will be spent will be part of the 2022 budget process.