Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Accepting input from public on how to use funds
COLFAX — An expected $9.8 million is coming to Whitman County as part of the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress last week.
Half of the money will arrive over the next 60 days with the other half no earlier than one year after the first disbursement.
County Commissioner Art Swannack gave a report from his tractor Friday, March 18.
“I didn’t expect it to be that big,” he said. “We’re still researching what all it can be used for.”
The money will come straight from the federal government, unlike the $3.75 million received from the CARES Act last year, which was dispersed to small counties through the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Whitman County commissioners have a workshop scheduled for March 29 to discuss ideas for the new money, which will have different parameters than CARES.
“This is as much stimulus money as it is COVID money,” Swannack said.
He suggested part of the total may be used on infrastructure to make up a decrease in gas tax from less driving last year during the shutdowns.
Whitman County Administrative Services Director Jessica Jensema noted she has a list of things for commissioners to consider, from losses from gas tax to the lack of a Palouse Empire Fair.
“Pretty much everything,” said Jensema.
Separate stimulus money will go individually to towns. According to estimates from the Association of Washington Cities, totals range from $131,500 for Albion to $625,500 for Colfax and $66,500 for Endicott.
The county money comes with concerns.
“I think we’ll use it to do all the good we can in the county, but I’m not a fan of going into all the debt to pass the bill. We’ll do our best to spend it wisely. My concern with the national debt is that it’s getting so big it may start affecting other (county programs), which are not mandatory federal spending.
“We’ll look at it as one-time money … To not set up long-term obligations with short-term money.” Swannack said.
He said the public is welcome to contact commissioners with ideas for how to spend the money.
In 2020, the $3.7 million CARES Act money included added funding last fall, which featured $500,000 given to 56 businesses in November and December. It focused on restaurants and gyms.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
Reader Comments(0)