LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Four years ago, the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Arkansas.
On the anniversary of that historic day, the City of Little Rock will decide on how to use the last bit of federal funding from the pandemic.
Millions of dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act were given across the country, including to Little Rock, to make sure the economy could stay afloat during that time.
Little Rock received $37.7 million in total.
The money has gone towards things like violence reduction tactics with local organizations and the real-time crime center; a micro home village for those who are unsheltered in the city; and infrastructure needs like sidewalk, street, and drainage improvements.
"We've been able to see our economy do a complete turnaround as a result of these funds that have been infused into our respective cities," said Kendra Pruitt, Mayor Frank Scott's Chief of Staff.
However, the last bit of federal funding will be decided in the upcoming weeks.
The city directors will vote on whether or not to allocate the last $2 million to the creation of the West Little Rock fire station.
It will be located near Robinson Schools on Highway 10.
"With our city growing further west, we need to have a station there, so they can get to those emergencies as quick as possible," said Pruitt.
The funds from the American Rescue Plan Act have to be allocated by the end of this year and must all be spent by 2026.