Possible Federal Funding Freeze Plunges Rochester Projects & Services into Uncertainty

Update: The White House rescinded the funding freeze shortly after this story was published on Wednesday afternoon.

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- State and local governments, along with thousands of nonprofit organizations are dealing with uncertainty in light of a recent executive order issued by President Trump. 

Read More: Feds Give Final Approval for Rochester's Link Bus Rapid Transit 

The executive action orders a pause federal grants and assistance to allow for a review to determine if the funding is in line with the new administration's policies and priorities.

A federal judge on Tuesday issued an order temporarily halting the implementation of the Trump Administration order until a hearing can be held on Monday.

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City of Rochester Dealing With Uncertainty Amid Potential Federal Grant Pause

The potential pause of federal grant dollars would impact multiple projects and services that have won federal funding in Rochester, city officials say.

"I certainly understand changes moving ahead with a new administration. They have different goals and requirements. But to look back on things that we in good faith have applied for and won is really concerning," said Rochester Mayor Kim Norton.

Read More: Rochester Awarded $20 Million Grant for 6th St. Bridge Project 

City of Rochester Communications and Engagement Coordinator Megan Moeller said city staff members are are evaluating and examining what a potential pause would mean. 

Moeller says the city gets a variety of federal grants the city regularly for the transit system, public safety and airport.

Rochester has also been awarded federal grant dollars for upcoming projects such as the LINK Bus Rapid, 6th St. Bridge and South Broadway overpass. 

Read More: $2.5 Million Grant to Transform South Broadway for Pedestrians and Cyclists 

Mayor Norton says the City of Rochester and other entities impacted by the President's order currently have more questions than answers.

She notes the order could possibly impact federal funding awarded for the city's geothermal energy project to provide heat and cooling in portions of downtown Rochester and proposed developments south of the Government center.

Mayor Norton also says the Trump Administration's review of the federal grants and other assistance could require significant city resources.

"The sad part of it is we may have to hire attorneys, we may have to divert our staff's time and attention from running the city to figuring out how we make our case for why we should be getting the money we were told we would be getting," Mayor Norton said.