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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Sioux Falls City Council members are set to discuss declaring the city a "recovery zone," which would open the door for federal stimulus money to help pay interest on loans for certain projects.

At least one Council member is objecting to the idea, saying such a resolution would be "a lie." Sioux Falls officials have stressed recently how the city's economy is better than that of most other cities across the country, and City Councilman Kermit Staggers says he's concerned about the veracity of declaring the city a recovery zone.

Council Chairman Pat Costello says city officials would be "derelict" in not taking advantage of the federal program.

Mayor Dave Munson's administration is expected to ask the Council on Tuesday night to approve a resolution that indicates the city qualifies as a recovery zone because of "significant poverty, unemployment, rate of home foreclosures, or general distress." Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-13-09 0956CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list