COLUMBUS, Georgia (WTVM) – The public has an opportunity to educate Columbus city guides about how they intend to use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
News Leader 9 attended the first of two public meetings at the City Services Center on Monday evening where officials discussed funding priorities.
Federal funds from the American rescue plan are intended to economically relieve the negative economic and health effects of the pandemic.
Columbus deputy city director Pam Hodge says the plan calls for a total of $ 78.4 million to be paid to the Columbus Consolidated Government (CCG) in two rounds. Hodge says they received $ 39 million in June and expect to receive the second half by next June.
Mayor Skip Henderson says the pandemic has hit so many parts of the community in the past year and a half. “Our focus is very simple. It’s about finding the best way to heal most people with the amount of money we’ve allotted. And for that it makes no sense not to include people in the community. “
CCG is asking the public for input on a list of priorities they have come up with for funding.
These include: garbage collection automation, revenue recovery, community security programs and cameras, bonus payments for specific employees, and more.
“This should be directed to the critical areas of our community, especially the areas that are suffering. The recreational areas we used to have, water sports we used to have that we didn’t because they said we didn’t have enough to pay lifeguards, ”said Jerome Lawson, small business owner.
The priority list also includes small business grants.
“We’re talking about three million in the first round. Three million, just be wary of the application process as there will be opportunities for small business grants, ”said Isiah Hugley, City Manager.
The federal government has not yet made any final specifications on how these funds can be used.
On August 10th there will be an update for the city council on this input from the public. On August 24th, the Council will vote on the funding priorities.
A second public meeting will take place on this Wednesday from 5.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. in the council chamber of the City Services Center
Copyright 2021 WTVM. All rights reserved.
