American Rescue Plan

The Porter County Commissioners have approved a spending plan for federal COVID-19 response money. An ordinance ratifying plans for the county's $33 million dollars in American Rescue Plan funds was adopted Tuesday.

Valparaiso may give COVID-19 premium pay to retired employees who no longer work for the city.

Increasing costs are creating challenges for Hammond's American Rescue Plan projects. Last fall, the city council approved a list of projects totaling almost $39 million. But Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. told council members Monday that costs have gone up by about $9.6 million from those initial estimates.

The Porter County Council is considering its next steps, when it comes to addressing mental health issues in the county. The county commissioners recently hired an outside consultant to conduct a community assessment on suicide awareness and prevention.

The Valparaiso City Council has approved the first round of American Rescue Plan spending. The bulk of the $750,000 appropriation will cover premium pay for city employees who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Architects continue working on renovation plans for the Memorial Opera House, but funding remains uncertain. Porter County Commissioner Laura Blaney says she's met virtually with the architect and hopes to have renderings to present soon.

Gary City Council members continue to voice concerns with Mayor Jerome Prince's administration's plans for federal COVID-19 money. The Ways and Means Committee recently reviewed a proposed ordinance allocating American Rescue Plan funds for various equipment needs. But council members questioned whether some of the items — like half a million dollars to upgrade the mayor's office — really provided the biggest benefit for Gary residents.

Merrillville property owners can get up to $10,000 to upgrade their buildings. The town is using funding from the American Rescue Plan to offer Residential & Business Improvement grants.

The Portage City Council is narrowing the list of projects to receive American Rescue Plan funding. The city has already spent more than $364,000 dollars and allocated another $800,000. On Tuesday, Council Member Scott Williams presented a plan for the other $7.2 million Portage expects to get.

The Valparaiso City Council has approved a plan for the city's American Rescue Plan funds. But the fact that more than 60-percent of the $7.7 million would go toward acquiring land for future park facilities drew opposition from residents.