Jeannette officials have a lot of work to whittle down a wish list of projects that could be funded with what is left of the city’s $950,000 allocation from the American Rescue Plan.
With $287,000 already earmarked, there are far more proposed uses than the $662,000 available will pay for.
City officials and council have not settled on a plan, though council eventually will have to approve any spending of the money.
Chief fiscal officer Ethan Keedy this week presented council with a list of suggested projects that ranged from building improvements and equipment for Jeannette EMS to storm drain repairs and paying off police vehicles. Councilwoman Michelle Langdon suggested the group get cost estimates for the proposals.
Many residents and council members seemed to favor a large street paving project, Keedy said. That could cost between $250,000 and $300,000.
“Everyone will benefit from that,” Mayor Curtis Antoniak said.
For months, council has been mulling options on how to use its cut of the federal funding. Money already has been earmarked for bonuses for employees, a manhole repair and radio upgrades for the fire department, among other projects.
The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion stimulus package approved in March 2021 that includes funding for counties and local municipalities. The money must be spent by the end of 2024.
There were a few potentially big-ticket items that could be at least partially funded through the money. The city needs to come up with $274,000 in matching funds for a Sixth Street Bridge project after receiving a grant last year.
Officials are awaiting word on a grant application for potential reconstruction of a portion of Lowry Avenue. If the city receives the grant, it would need about $241,000 in matching funds, Keedy said.
“Some of that money can come from liquid fuels,” he said.
Antoniak was in favor of crosswalk signs that could be erected near the amphitheater on Clay Avenue, on Harrison Avenue and by schools, in addition to other locations.
“These crosswalk signs are really vital,” he said.
