Grand Coulee approves how to spend ARPA funds

Grand Coulee will be spending federal money towards a new waterline, a new ambulance, and more.

The Grand Coulee City Council on Sept. 21 approved how they would spend about $292,500 in American Rescue Plan Act funds received from the federal government.

The city has already received half of the funds, and will receive the other half in May of 2022.

Included in the agenda packet for the meeting was an outline of how the money could be spent, which the council approved without much discussion.

Trees at the wastewater treatment facility have caused issues due to falling debris and the potential for more damage if the trees themselves or large limbs were to fall onto equipment, so $13,000 will be spent to remove them.

The city’s public works department will receive $150,000 for the installation of approximately 100 feet of new 8-inch water line beneath Federal Avenue.

“The line being replaced is old steel pipe,” the agenda packet explains. “Replacement of this section of water main will assist in controlling lost and unaccounted for water due to leaks in the pipe.” 

The Fire and Ambulance department will receive $45,000-$50,000 “to create an area in the Fire Department Storage Building for decontamination and cleaning of both gear and personnel,” the packet explains. That will include “hooking up to city water and sewer … purchasing and installing washer and dryer, extractor, and drying equipment for turnout gear,” and “installing a personnel shower and a utility wash area for decontamination and cleanup.”

“The lack of this resource became more apparent during the recent pandemic when reviewing our hazard mitigation resources in preparation for our response to COVID-19 virus patients,” the packet explains.

The council’s Finance Committee recommended that the remaining $80,000 be applied toward the purchase of a new ambulance to replace a 2001 ambulance currently in service.

“Grand Coulee’s ambulance service responds to calls in the neighboring communities and surrounding areas, as well as transporting patients from Coulee Medical Center to larger hospitals in Spokane and Wenatchee,” the packet reads. “Replacing this ambulance would help insure that our EMT’s are able to respond to calls for service and provide the care needed.”