Money for streets, park improvements, an outfield fence upgrade on Rathert Field and computer systems for children at the 12th Street Community Center are some of the ideas suggested by Junction City Commissioners and staff for use of ARPA funds. The City has to decide by Dec. 31 how to use about $1.5 million.
Commissioner Richard Pinaire is calling for use of $1 million of that money for street improvements. "I think the citizens of Junction City want our streets fixed." Pinaire added that there are many nice places that have bad streets around them.
Pinaire wants "substantial spot repairs." He pointed to Spruce Street where there are concrete problems, and places between Junction City and Fort Riley.
Mayor Pat Landes commented that $1 million is a drop in the bucket on streets. The city already spends one and a half million per year, and more with matching grant programs. Other improvements mentioned would enhance existing facilities. Landes feels as city debt is paid down he does want to see the budget for streets increase but he also commented, "To blow it all on streets now is a mistake. You're not going to fix everything."
Commissioner Al Gordon would support a focus on upgrades to less privileged and less tended to areas. The Martin Luther King Jr. Park plus other parks along with the 12th Street Community Center, and computer systems there for children were mentioned.
Commissioner Jeff Underhill feels many smaller projects can be accomplished that would have a bigger impact. He believes that the City should continue "plugging along" with their budget to reduce debt so more can be done in the future on streets.
At this point the city commission has not made any final decisions on expenditure of the money. But it must be spent by Dec. 31,2026.
ARPA ( American Recovery Plan Act ) federal funds were received during COVID-19.