Local News

Grants Pass City Councilors approved the dispersing of tourism grant funds and reallocated ARPA funds to facilitate a warming shelter at the Wednesday night business session.

Five applicants will be awarded Lodging Tax funds following their submission for the fall application cycle of the City’s Sustainable Tourism Grant program. The program is to encourage tourism from outside a 50-mile radius from the city.

The Council’s resolution authorizes the award of $5,000 each to the Grants Pass Rotary Club Foundation and Grants Pass Downs. The Grants Pass High School Band Boosters and the Grants Pass Museum of Art will receive $3,750. Rogue Valley Classic Cruisers will be awarded $3,500.

Councilors also approved reallocating American Rescue Plan Act funds in the amount of $67,500 from public infrastructure for affordable housing to affordable housing and unhoused programs and services on a 4 to 3 vote.

The movement of funds is in response to the announcement from United Community Action Network(UCAN) that there are no funds to operate a warming center with winter weather approaching. UCAN is willing to offer operational support. Partners Assisting the Homeless is also available to assist with volunteers. The funds will assure the availability of a warming center in Grants Pass this winter. The resolution was passed on a 4 to 3 vote.

The Council filled seven openings on the Sustainability and Energy Action Committee. David Koehler was appointed as the Energy Efficiency Specialist, Dustin Blue was appointed as the Solar/Energy technology specialist, Horace Stodola was appointed as the representative with solid waste or recycling experience, Matthew Rosen was appointed as a data analyst and Shannon Hoist was appointed as the student representative. Tom Bradbeer and Dorothy Swain were appointed as at large members.

Councilors reconsidered an earlier decision to conduct a survey to determine the public’s preference in how to fund public safety. The vote was to conduct a survey electronically.