Fort Wayne Starts Spending Pandemic Relief Fund
Fort Wayne, Indiana was challenged to find a way to disburse about $51 million in funds, and for about months Fort Wayne City council members have been grappling with it.
According to a published post by 21 Alive News, in 2021, pandemic relief bill funds came from the American Rescue Plan. Some jurisdictions supplied some of the funding, but Fort Wayne’s leaders have been contemplating their plans for some time.
Grocery Store
About $2 million were approved by the councilors for a recently declared community grocery store located in Southeast Fort Wayne. The development of the business will be led by the yet-to-be-named partner.
While providing vocational and skill training for nearby residents, City Officials stated that the store will provide healthy and fresh produce at more affordable prices than other stores. A large healthcare provider operated in partnership with the local government is based in a community store in Toledo, Ohio.
Fort Wayne, Indiana was challenged to find a way to disburse about $51 million in funds, and for about months Fort Wayne City council members have been grappling with it. (Photo: 21 Alive News)
Park and Streetscapes
Several city parks and streetscape improvements funds were approved by the Council: $2 million for Brewer Park, $1.8 million for Packard Park, $5 million for Franke Park Ph.1, and $1.7 million for streetscape improvements along Pontiac.
Collection for Garbage
Utilizing less than $10 million in aid funds to reduce the increase in Garbage collection fees was produced by Con. Russ Jehl, and earlier this year, the city fired solid waste hauler Red River waste Solutions after years of poor service.
Con. Jehl hopes to avoid a dramatic price rise in the short term with some of the money from aid money, but City officials are against the plan. On Tuesday, the councilors agreed to revisit the issue next week before making a decision.
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