The Dalles City Council reached a unanimous consensus to expend $100,000 of COVID relief funds to locally-owned restaurants and fitness centers and another $50,000 to other small businesses. Councilor Dan Richardson brought up the move, noting the restaurant and fitness sectors are particularly impacted by the state’s current restrictions. The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Farquharson says this would provide a bridge to another round of Payroll Protection Program funding from the federal government. The City gave out 60 grants to small businesses in December. Councilors asked City Manager Julie Krueger to put together a plan to disburse the funds. The City currently has $300,000 available in COVID relief funds.