New data details how Ramsey County allocated $2.25M as Pig’s Eye Park camp closure loomed

Questions are growing about $2.25 million in public spending tied to shelter expansion before St. Paul cleared the Pig’s Eye Park encampment.

The City of St. Paul and Ramsey County, together, allocated $2.25 million for the county to expand shelter capacity before the encampment was cleared in early August. Shelter space has been a years-long issue, and Ramsey County said it was already planning significant investments, but 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS found the $2.25 million in question did not start being distributed until after plans were in place to clear the encampment.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS walked through the growing Randolph camp Tuesday, where most people moved after Pig’s Eye closed, joined by outreach worker John Tolo.

“Over 200 for sure,” said Tolo, asked how many people he estima...