Livingston commissioners solicit public priorities for potential congressionally directed spending requests

City Manager Dan Gager told the commission the senator's office will accept up to three congressionally directed spending requests per applicant and that applications are due March 15. He said the senator's guidance excludes funds for salaries, local government building construction, and purely beautification projects, so staff will seek clarification and return in March with a recommended set of projects.

Members of the public urged a range of priorities for the federal request. Patricia (204 East Calendar Street) urged prioritizing a Northern Lights Boulevard crossing connecting to U.S. Highway 10 because she said it would be lower cost and improve emergency evacuation; she also asked that the city pursue work addressing the nearby Superfund‑site contamination. Other commenters suggested stormwater infrastructure and lagoon dredging, the veterans memorial, and equipment or vehicle purchases for core public services as candidate requests.

Commissioners and staff agreed to collect suggestions and bring a proposed list of up to three requests back to the commission for final selection in March. Gager said staff will also seek letters of support (the senator's guidance requires five letters per application) and will clarify allowable project types with the senator's office.