April 23, 2024 (Bannock County Newsletter, April 22, 2024)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government gave local governments a lot of money with the intent that the funds would help America recover from its impacts.
These funds come from the American Rescue Plan Act (a.k.a “ARPA”) of 2021 and are technically called “State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Bannock County received $17 million ($17,055,676 to be exact) in ARPA funds based on our county population.
The Board of Commissioners recently held a meeting to decide which projects to fund with ARPA dollars, which you can watch here (discussion begins at 15:23).
Here’s a look at how the money has been spent so far, and what is up for debate for the remaining funds.
What projects have been approved?
Here are the projects that have been approved to use ARPA funds, in order from most to least expensive. These amounts are estimates until a true cost is finalized.
- Building maintenance, security, landscaping, and other upgrades (including a remodel for the house Search & Rescue and SWAT team building) at the Detention Center & Sheriff’s Office – $2,362,825
- Construct two barns, an office, a meeting room, and an exhibit building and tear down old buildings at Bannock County Fairgrounds – $1,600,000
- Constructing a building for the Youth Development Center and Event Center office – $1,544,519
- Upgrade 911 Microwave Towers – $900,000
- Assessor’s Office building repairs (to include expanding the DMV counter) – $750,000
- Reconstructing 6th Street and entrances to the courthouse and elections office – $750,000
- Two dump trucks and blades for plowing – $710,000
- Replacing the roof of the Road & Bridge building – $500,000
- Upgrading and installing security cameras at county facilities and the Event Center – $400,000
- Upgrades and repairs for the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building – $388,175
- Two boiler replacements for the courthouse – $350,000
- Paying off enterprise leases for county vehicles – $279,000
- Remodel and upgrades for the Bannock County Historical Museum – $165,000
- Remodel for the Ag Extension building – $50,000
- Grandstands seating upgrade for the Event Center – $50,000
- Water truck for the race track and arena at the Event Center – $44,000
- Installing ADA doors for elections office – $25,000
- Flag pole for the Event Center – $10,000
What projects have been completed?
Here are the projects that have been completed with ARPA funds, in order from most to least expensive.
- Cash flow for the first event season at Event Center – $2,000,000
- Sewer upgrade at the Portneuf Wellness Complex – $1,502,000
- Ambulance bay at McCammon Fire Station – $1,000,000
- Detention Center roof replacement – $949,750
- “The Village” Safe Teen Assessment Center – $402,409
- Building cost estimates for forensic pathology center – $110,696
- ePoll books purchase for elections – $58,650
- Truck purchase for Public Works – $54,060
- Router upgrade for IT – $52,592
- Tractor purchase for grooming at Event Center – $25,000
- Installing ADA doors at Detention Center – $21,920
