Circular tree planters arrive in town

RITZVILLE - City Councilman Dennis Chamberlain, Tree Board member Mike Schrag, and Public Works Director Dave Breazeale were on hand to oversee delivery of cement planters for 24 trees along the western end of First Avenue last week.

Schrag said the trees-including maple and other varieties-will be planted in the spring.

"We want to plant a variety of trees to help to ensure that diseases affecting one type won't spread to all of them," he said.

Schrag said $60,000 will come from funds authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act-not the city.

According to the U.S. Treasury Department, ARPA funds are available to state, territorial, local and tribal governments for response and recovery from the COVID-19 shutdowns.