This podcast contains comments from the August 13, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.

Brazos County commissioners move another $1.5 million dollars in federal pandemic grant money to the construction of the medical examiner's office. 

There was no public discussion before Tuesday's (August 13) unanimous vote to increase the amount of money county received from ARPA...the american rescue plan act...to $21 million dollars.

After the vote, commissioners were asked by a citizen why $1 million was transferred from what was originally set aside for broadband expansion in rural areas.

County judge Duane Peters said after the original decision was made to reserve grant money for broadband, the federal government issued rules that said ARPA funds could not be used on something where another federal funding source was available.

In the case of broadband, the commission's general counsel, Bruce Erratt, said the state received federal money that is being given to broadband providers to expand service in rural areas.

Commissioners Chuck Konderla, Wanda Watson, and Steve Aldrich also spoke about efforts by the state's broadband commission.