Local governments in La Plata County are trying to figure out how to spend $15.8 million from the federal government’s most recent coronavirus relief package, the American Rescue Plan.
The $1.9 trillion economic relief bill, signed into law by President Joe Biden in March, sent $1,400 to most Americans, expanded tax breaks and extended emergency unemployment benefits. The bill also delivered $130.7 billion to counties, cities and tribal governments around the country with a 134-page outline of conditions for how it be spent.
The government allocated $10.9 million to La Plata County, the largest amount of a five-county region that makes up Southwest Colorado. Montezuma County will receive about $5.1 million; Archuleta, $2.7 million; Dolores, $399,000; and San Juan, $141,000, according to the Southwest Colorado Council of Governments.
“The biggest takeaway I have from talking with the Board of County Commissioners is that they recognize these funds for what they are: This is once-in-a-lifetime money,” said Chuck Stevens, La Plata County manager. “They’re looking at legacy projects – things that will benefit the community for generations to come.”
The first check, about $5.5 million, could come as soon as this week, Stevens said. The second check is scheduled to arrive as soon as May 2022 and would complete the allocation.
The money can be used to support urgent COVID-19 response efforts; replace lost revenue for governments; provide support for households, small businesses and other impacted sectors; and make investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The county has not listed any possible projects. It has asked for a community engagement process, which could include housing organizations, economic development groups and municipalities in the county.
It’s unlikely any of the money will be spent in 2021, unless unexpected COVID-19-related costs come up, Stevens said.
County staff members are learning about the approved uses for the money and the documentation requirements for auditing.
“It’s communication, outreach, being transparent and trying to hear from the people,” Stevens said. “It’s their money. We want to do projects that do the most good for the most people.”
In La Plata County, Durango will receive the second largest allocation, about $4.1 million.
In mid-April, councilors discussed a variety of options that fit into the city’s strategic plan, such as investing in housing through partnerships with housing organizations or a city housing director position. The city could fund infrastructure for La Posta Road (County Road 213) or the Durango Mesa Park plan.
It could send funding to disenfranchised groups that may not have benefited from stimulus checks to meet the city’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals. So far, City Council has not decided on any uses.
Bayfield was allocated about $577,000. The town is working on two major projects, broadband infrastructure and housing, that would be eligible for the relief money. The town board of trustees is still discussing its options, said Town Manager Katie Sickles.
Ignacio received about $195,000, but the town board had not discussed how to use the money as of Wednesday, said Town Manager Mark Garcia.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe did not respond to a request for information Thursday.
smullane@durangoherald.com
