The Worthington Globe reports…

The Nobles County Board of Commissioners discussed the allocation of its remaining American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds at Wednesday’s work session.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nobles County received $4,201,180 in ARPA funding, which was then allocated to payroll and created an opportunity to fund capital improvements, assist smaller municipalities with infrastructure projects, and invest in other county-involved projects such as last year’s internship program, the Minnesota 60 lighting project and broadband.

The funds were designated for infrastructure, but some Nobles County communities have wanted to use their ARPA funds for other projects instead.

Sounds like they have some money left…

“After everything and (with) where we’re at, unused ARPA funds are now at $1,490,005.26,” noted Nobles County Administrator Bruce Heitkamp. “I get some phone calls (from people asking), ‘Can I use this for fire turnout gear? Can I use it to buy vehicles?’ I am telling them no and I’m not trying to play good cop, bad cop.”

“It was for infrastructure, it was not for pickups and firetrucks,” added Board Chairman Justin Ahlers.