City of Columbia dips into reserves to support Ashley Street project

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is dipping into its budget reserve to give $600,000 to the Ashley Street project and Room at the Inn homeless shelter.

This fund follows the $1.2 million the City has allocated from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.

According to Finance Director Matt Lue, the renovation project was initially funded by ARPA but exceeded the budget.

Lue says the project will add two accessible bathrooms, a temporary propane tank, and enhanced security lighting inside the facility. In the trailer area of the facility, there will be permanent hookups for a mobile shower. The city also plans to fix the facility's sewer main.

In an email, Lue said that the city is waiting on finalizing the contract to begin work.

Check back for updates to this developing story.