Winston-Salem officials concerned about federal grants amid Trump funding cuts

Winston-Salem officials are concerned about the status of two federal grants awarded to the city amid the Trump administration’s efforts to pause government spending.

The city won a total of six federal grants last year. But Kyle Leopard, Winston-Salem’s lobbyist, said two of them are still pending, with contracts that have not yet been signed. 

“And so we want to make sure we bring those to the attention of our members of Congress," he said at Monday's city council meeting. 

One, for $4.4 million, would allow the city to purchase five hybrid-electric buses to reduce carbon emissions. The other, for $280,000, is set to fund road safety efforts.  

City officials will have the opportunity to lobby the federal government during the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference next week. 

Leopard says they are set to meet with Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis in part to discuss funding priorities. Meetings are also scheduled with Representative Pat Harrigan, of the 10th district, and 6th district Representative Addison McDowell.