CYPRESS, Calif.—The City of Cypress on Jan. 10 approved the allocation of nearly $11.7 million in federal funding intended to recover pandemic spending, maintain infrastructure, enhance public safety, and promote economic activity. The funds are a part of the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion emergency spending bill that was created in March 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The vote to approve the spending plan on the funds was passed 5–1 with councilmember Frances Marquez voting against the agenda item. “I believe it is okay to reimburse the city for the funding we allocated to help small businesses or restaurants,” Marquez said at the meeting. “However, I do not believe it is right to not ask the community what they want to do with this money. This funding is to help our residents of all ages get back on their feet as they’ve been through two difficult …