Westmoreland commissioners urged to spend ARP funds, public hearings set for Oct. 28

Westmoreland County commissioners will hold two public hearings in late October to receive input about how to spend $105 million in federal cash earmarked for covid-relief programs.

The sessions will be held Oct. 28 at Science Hall on the Westmoreland County Community College campus near Youngwood, with one scheduled in either the late morning or early afternoon, and another in the evening.

“Part of the federal guidelines is to make sure you have public input and that’s required,” Commissioner Sean Kertes said Thursday.

The county this year received the first half of the American Rescue Plan funds, more than $52 million, with a second allocation expected early next year. Under federal rules, the money must be spent on coronavirus-relief programs, to reimburse the government for pandemic-related expenses, water and sewer projects or expansion of broadband services.

Commissioners have so far taken a slow path deciding how to spend the county’s allocation and said they are awaiting clarification of federal guidelines for specific uses for the money.

“We’re not going to make any final decisions until we see what those final guidelines are,” said Commissioner Gina Cerilli Thrasher. “We have to be patient and make sure there is no wasteful spending.”

Allegheny County officials this week finalized a plan to spend half of it’s $380 million in American Rescue Plan funds.

Westmoreland commissioners said a spending plan likely won’t be released until early 2022, a time frame that isn’t fast enough according to members of the Voice of Westmoreland, who rallied in front of the courthouse for more public input and specific priorities for the money before commissioners met Thursday.

About 20 people attended the morning rally and called for commissioners to quickly craft for a plan to pay for additional services to address hunger, housing, mental health needs and other social programs in high demand because of the pandemic.

“We can’t allow the county commissioners to save this money for a rainy day when we need it now,” said Diana Steck of North Huntingdon.

Bob Mason of Trafford called on commissioners to conduct at least four public hearings to address the county’s spending needs and also urged officials to accelerate the timeline to allocate the money.

“This isn’t a rescue plan for 2022 or 2023. It’s for 2021,” Mason said.

Speakers also directly addressed commissioners at the start of Thursday’s public meeting.

Bud Santimyer of Scottdale said spending delays will impact those in need.

“Let’s get this done quickly and get the money to the people who need it now,” Santimyer said.

Export Mayor Joe Zaccagnini proposed distributing the money equally among the county’s 65 municipalities.