Trees planted along First Avenue

RITZVILLE - Last Wednesday, Public Works Director Dave Breazeale and Police Chief Dave McCormick were on hand to oversee the planting of 12 trees along West First Avenue. The total project will include 24 trees to be placed in cement planters along the road's shoulder from Akins Fresh Grocery to the Department of Transportation facility.

Trees being planted this spring include maples and other varieties.

According to City Councilman and Tree Board member Mike Schrag, using a variety of trees will help ensure that diseases affecting one type won't spread to the rest.

Schrag said project funding of approximately $60,000 comes from federal grants. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act is slated to deliver $350 billion to state, territorial, local and tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from pandemic shutdowns.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, more than 30,000 recipient governments across the country are investing ARPA funds to address the unique needs of local communities.

Broadly speaking, funds are available to make investments that support long-term growth and opportunity.