Hood River County continues to identify how to use about $4.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds.  The County is still waiting for further federal guidance on what they can and can’t do, but Commission Chair Mike Oates says efforts to end the pandemic remain the top priority, and then providing support for continuing county services.  He says there are needs in Records and Assessment, Budget and Finance, Community Development, and the District Attorney’s office.  The County can also use some of the funds for economic development needs, and Oates says one possibility would be to incentivize child care businesses, noting a lack of available and affordable child care may be keeping some people from re-entering the workforce.