The Pine Journal reports…

Some leniency in the final ruling on how to use American Rescue Plan Act funds will give the Carlton County Board of Commissioners more options on how to spend the money, officials said.

The board started discussions on what its priorities should be and how to move forward with the funds during its committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, Feb. 1.

The board will have $6.97 million to spend on projects.

Broadband made the very short list…

Two of the main items brought up by the board were improving roads and broadband access throughout the county.

There were some thoughts…

When it comes to broadband, Finnegan said it would be best to wait to see how the federal infrastructure funds are used before making a decision.

“We just don’t want to use our money for broadband until we are sure of what other buckets of money are out there,” she said. “Our money could be used as a match to federal dollars.”