MINOT — The committee created to disburse federal coronavirus relief funds presented their recommendations Tuesday before the Ward County Commissioners.
There is a total of $13.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds available for internal and external projects throughout the county. $10 million of which can be used towards various projects unrelated to COVID.
The ARPA committee recommended that Minnesota based CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Wealth Advisors, LLP be used for its grant management services, particularly for access to its grant portal.
Projects within county departments range from broadband infrastructure, mitigation and prevention efforts, water and sewage repairs to a host of projects under the umbrella of “revenue loss,” totaling $4.3 million.
Funds to be allocated for projects outside county departments would be dispersed to cities and townships. The totals will be based on population and/or a minimum of $50,000.
Moving forward, Commissioner Shelly Weppler, who is also on the ARPA committee said, “In two weeks we will come back with a defined plan.”
They agreed to address each item on the list of recommendations, determine the application process, and decide if there should be a minimum amount of funds to give to each township and city.
The next Ward County Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 9 a.m.
For a copy of the ARPA committee’s recommendations, contact the Ward County Auditor/Treasurer’s office. You can also watch the commissioner meeting for more details. [link here]
