(La Porte County, IN) - LaPorte County officials are beginning the process of deciding the best ways of using tens of millions in federal economic stimulus funds.
LaPorte County government is receiving a $21 million cut of the $1.9 trillion contained in the American Rescue Plan recently approved by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden. $11.6 million of the federal funds is earmarked for the City of LaPorte.
Officials are waiting to be informed exactly how local municipalities can spend those dollars before moving forward too quickly. La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody said he will put together a committee to develop a priority list once they know the eligible uses of the funds.
One critical need he would like to further address with the stimulus money, if possible, is more new housing. Dermody said another potential use is leveraging matching grants with the money for projects and other purposes to accomplish more with the dollars. “My main goal is to make the biggest impact we can for the community,” he said.
La Porte City Councilman Roger Galloway said paving more streets, major equipment purchases and retiring outstanding bond issues come to mind off the top his head. “I really haven’t thought about it much. I believe you get it before you decide what to do with it,” he said.
More trails along with road and sidewalk upgrades to improve walkability and traffic patterns in the downtown area were mentioned by LaPorte City Councilman Paul Vincent. “I got my own personal wish list. I’m sure we all do,” he said.
LaPorte County Commissioner Sheila Matias is calling for all financial leaders in county government to get involved in helping to decide where the money should go. She also welcomed input from the public. Matias is asking LaPorte County Treasurer Joie Winski and LaPorte County Auditor Tim Stabosz to present a current financial report to see if any line item in the budget could use a shot in the arm from the stimulus funds.
Major projects like the historic Franklin Street draw bridge in Michigan City and building a community center for hosting family oriented activities at the fairgrounds were among her ideas for use of the money. “I think it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We want to make sure we use it well,” Matias said.
