Mayor Barrett discusses city's plan to spend American Rescue Plan funds

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- During a zoom presentation open to the public Wednesday night, May 12, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett discussed how the city will spend the $394 million it will receive from the American Rescue Plan.

He mentioned that there are some categories that the spending must align with, such as infrastructure and workforce development.

He said he's not in a hurry to spend the money quickly.

"I don't foresee us spending all this money in the next six months, a year or possibly two years, and don't know that would be wise," said Mayor Barrett. "The state clearly, I think, has a priority to get its money out the door as fast as possible. Selfless guy that I am, I am more than willing to help the state spend some of its money here in Milwaukee."

The mayor says the city will receive two large payments -- one in the next few days, the other next year.

He hopes to have a spending plan ready to show the Common Council in late July.