YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – The Yankton City Commission has approved a resolution in support of the “Cities are Essential” campaign launched by the National League of Cities.

Mayor Nathan Johnson says the aim is to get Congress to direct coronavirus relief funding directly to smaller cities.

Johnson says local governments have a big economic footprint.

Governor Kristi Noem has said she hopes to direct some of the $1.2 billion the state is getting to local governments. Johnson says there are too many layers in the way of that funding.

The resolution asks Congress to direct up to $500 billion dollars to local governments over the next two years.