YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – The State of South Dakota is holding about $1.5 billion received from the federal government for pandemic related costs.

Representative Jean Hunhoff of Yankton says they are still waiting on guidance on how that money can be spent.

Hunhoff says she is hearing rising concern from business owners.

Hunhoff, a member of the Appropriations Committee, says there is a deadline to use those federal dollars.

Governor Kristi Noem has also been pushing Congress to loosen the rules for using the federal funds.