On Monday, the Cumberland County Commission voted unanimously on two resolutions which together would use a total amount of $8,251,000 in ARC grant money to fund repairs to the Cumberland County Courthouse. The first resolution was motioned by 3rd District Commissioner Rebecca Stone and 6th District Commissioner Joe Sherill, and a second resolution was motioned again by Stone and 2nd District Commissioner Nancy Hyder.

The funds come from a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Stone said the funds come from an American Relief Program through the federal government. And described it as money that was ‘sitting and waiting’ for county projects’ approval.

“These budget items where we issue the interest-bearing bonds? This is where we move money from debt service to pay for capital projects that we approved in the budget. And this was moving money to cover the courthouse repairs. This is from Appalachian Regional Commission money, but moving it requires a resolution.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission website describes what their grants are to be used for as investing in “projects that align with our strategic investment priorities, as well as the development plans of the applicable state.”

Projects approved for grant usage typically fall under construction or non-construction, and are then further classified by project type or distinction.