© 2024 WVIK
Listen at 90.3 FM and 98.3 FM in the Quad Cities, 95.9 FM in Dubuque, or on the WVIK app!
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Government

Moline Discusses Plans For ARPA Funds

Thanks to the pandemic, Moline will have nearly 21 million federal dollars to spend on a variety of projects. Tuesday night, the city council discussed possible allocations for money from the American Rescue Plan Act, known as ARPA.

Based on Moline's strategic plan, City Administrator Bob Vitas and Finance Director Carol Barnes, are proposing spending 14 million dollars on infrastructure, quality of life, and the economy. He says another 6 and-a-half million would be spent on helping local businesses recover from the pandemic, broadband, public health, and water and sewer systems.

"We're excited by what the funds are capable of providing the citizens and delivering the results I think that they are looking for. Certain improvements they have long wanted. It's a mixed blessing to get this money because of the pandemic. Hopefully the pandemic will dissipate before all of these funds do."

Even though Moline has up to five years to spend these federal funds, Vitas thinks it's a good idea to spend it in three years to make sure the projects are completed in time.

Alderman gave their tentative approval to these proposed allocations, and he expects final approval at the next meeting.

Government
A native of Detroit, Herb Trix began his radio career as a country-western disc jockey in Roswell, New Mexico (“KRSY, your superkicker in the Pecos Valley”), in 1978. After a stint at an oldies station in Topeka, Kansas (imagine getting paid to play “Louie Louie” and “Great Balls of Fire”), he wormed his way into news, first in Topeka, and then in Freeport Illinois.