Kiski Township supervisors to weigh how to spend American Rescue Plan money

The Kiski Township supervisors and other municipalities received some good news on how funds from the American Rescue Plan Act can be spent.

“Spending rules are now greatly expanded,” said township Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Bono, as he held up a 50-page guide provided by the U.S. Treasury Department during a recent supervisors meeting.

The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Program now allows for capital expenditures to address public health and economic impacts. It also makes services such as child care, early education, learning loss, affordable housing and others eligible.

Originally, the act’s funding was only permitted to be used for lost municipal employees’ pay, certain bonuses and sewage and water programs.

Kiski Township will receive $446,000 in two installments of $223,000 each. Township officials were awaiting a final ruling before deciding on how to best spend the money.

Officials did not discuss options for the money, but remodeling the police department restrooms and building a new winter road salt storage building could be among the uses.

Kiski Township is awaiting final approval from Armstrong County commissioners on providing funding to replace sewer lines on Rose Street. The terra cotta pipes were installed in the 1950s and need to be replaced. Armstrong County may provide as much as $125,000, while Kiski Township would provide matching funds.

Manhole covers on Rose Street also are due to be replaced.

Township supervisors also are hoping for money from the county to repave six streets in the Brownstown section of the township. A park there would be rehabilitated, along with a culvert bridge replacement on Chestnut Road.