Alderwoman expected to file bill for Rams fund distribution

ST. LOUIS – At this past weekend’s Cabinet in Community meeting, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones announced a bill would be introduced in the Board of Aldermen outlining a spending plan for the Rams/NFL settlement.

Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier will file the bill this week, which calls for making major investments in three different areas:

-Infrastructure, like streets sidewalks, and water infrastructure improvements
-Children/families, like affordable childcare and workforce development
-Economic development, like affordable housing and small business support

The bill, a partnership between the mayor’s office, Aldermanic President Megan Green, Alderwoman Sonnier, and department heads.

Jones said it reflects what residents said during the public input process.

The city has spent $498 million in ARPA funds for new firetrucks; paving projects along Kingshighway, Union, Grand, Goodfellow, and Jefferson are on the schedule; two mobile health clinics; and more than $200 million is being invested in north St. Louis.

According to the mayor’s office, $280 million of the settlement goes to the city of St. Louis, including $30 million to expand The Dome at America’s Center, $169 million of the settlement goes to St. Louis County, and $70 million to St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Authority.

That’s $280 million split three ways.

Taxpayers want government officials to know they will be watching how this plays out.