Austin City Council discusses American Rescue Plan recovery funds, 4th St. bridge project at Monday meeting

The Austin City Council approved a resolution at their Monday meeting accepting coronavirus local fiscal recovery funds established under the American Rescue Plan Act.  KAUS spoke with Austin Mayor Steve King during the “Meet the Mayor” segment of “Wright Here, Right Now,” and King stated that the council will work with city staff concerning the parameters as to how the funds can be disbursed…

$2,670,000 in recovery funds have been allocated to the city of Austin, of which $1,335,000 will be received in 2021, and the remainder of the funds will be allocated to the city in 2022.  The resolution approved by the council states that the funds are intended to provide support to state, local and tribal governments in responding to the impact of COVID-19 and in their efforts to contain the virus in their communities, residences and businesses.  The council also discussed options for the 4th Street bridge project over Interstate 90 slated for 2023 with Public Works Director Steven Lang in a work session following their regularly scheduled meeting Monday evening.  MnDOT was looking for feedback from the council as to which of three project options they would like to see implemented, and King stated that the council was in favor of a center point-designed bridge, but he added that the eventual decision as to what option will be implemented will be made by MnDOT…

More information about the project, its timeline, 4th Street bridge alternatives and a survey that can be taken as to which of the three options the public would like to see implemented is all available at MnDOT’s webpage at www.dot.state.mn.us.