During the meeting of the Saline County Commission on Thursday, June 3, commissioners approved the creation of line items for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds the county has received and will receive in the future.

The county received half of its $4.4 million distribution, with the latter 50 percent to be sent by the federal government at a future date.

Northern District Commissioner Stephanie Gooden explained all cities, towns, villages and other entities entitled to some funds have to register to get them through a website.

Gooden offered a couple of clarifications.

Gooden says the guidelines are to use the funds looking forward.

Gooden says there are a lot of things the money can be spent on, but no decisions have been made, and there is really no time line. However, it was pointed out that if this money can be used for part of the economic-development project at the Marshall Junction, that would free up money from the half-cent sales tax that could aid the five entities with more funding for their projects going forward.