Westmoreland officials planning to dole out $30 million in pandemic relief money

Westmoreland County will allocate $30 million to help local governments, small businesses and nonprofit organizations that suffered financial losses during the coronavirus pandemic.

That broad spending plan constitutes a baseline of how county officials said they intend to dole out the $31.5 million grant awarded this month as part of the federal government’s stimulus package for relief efforts associated with coronavirus.

“We are under the impression that we can only give away money for covid-related expenses,” Commissioner Sean Kertes said.

The funds, awarded by state officials based on county populations, are expected to arrive next month.

Grants will be doled out in three categories: small business, municipalities and nonprofits, with $10 million allotted to each. Commissioners on Tuesday said they are finalizing details about the process that will be used to distribute money and the criteria officials will look at in making decisions on how the funds will be spent.

Officials said federal guidelines require municipalities to use the money to cover costs associated with direct spending paid out this year in response to the pandemic, such as expenses for personal protective equipment, cleaning and sanitizing work areas, setting up remote work sites, additional employment costs and safety improvements.

Commissioners previously said an initial review of guidelines barred the county from seeking funds to recover the more than $1 million expenses attributed to the coronavirus response, including overtime costs for essential workers and purchases of personal protective equipment.

Kertes said the county believes it is eligible to receive some of the grant money, but final oversight will be turned over to a private administrator who will be paid up to $200,000 to coordinate the program.

Commissioners said small businesses required to close during the pandemic are eligible for grants. Businesses also can qualify for funding to cover costs associated with cleaning and implementation of social-distancing measures to allow reopening. Employment costs and other safety measures required for essential business to remain operational during the pandemic also qualify.

Nonprofit organizations also will be able to apply for funds to recoup losses attributed to the pandemic. Eligibility issues remain unclear, commissioners said.

“At this time, we are trying to get a firm answer if nonprofits can be reimbursed (for) missed charity events and fundraisers due to covid-19,” Commissioner Gina Cerilli said. “Hopefully, that can be included because nonprofits are struggling to keep their doors open to serve the most vulnerable.”

Commissioners said another $1.3 million will be allocated to expand broadband networks in underserved areas of county.