WPR:

Wisconsin spent or made plans for some $2.8 billion in federal pandemic aid funding through the end of 2021, and the state has more than $1.8 billion in federal funds that have yet to be spent.

Gov. Tony Evers this week issued an update on how the state has spent the COVID-19 relief funding it received as a result of federal aid bills passed in 2020 and 2021. The data show the state has spent or allocated the great majority of aid intended for businesses, schools and local governments. What remains of the $4.6 billion the state was granted include major investments in broadband expansion, health care and neighborhood infrastructure. Some of the new grants are set to be announced this month. 

According to data released by the governor’s office, some of the federal funds yet to be allocated in Wisconsin include:

• $205 million in Neighborhood Investment Fund grants, which could go to the creation of new buildings or other infrastructure aimed at “help(ing) neighborhoods recover from negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
• $125 million in workforce innovation grants aimed at addressing worker shortages. 
• $83.9 million for broadband access expansion. The state has spent or allocated $21 million of a total $113.7 million in funds.
• $75 million for health care infrastructure, especially in areas disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
• $59 million in public safety grants, including grants to fund victim services and violence prevention initiatives.