Editorial: Westmoreland commissioners take right steps on American Rescue Plan funds

Thank you for doing the right thing, Westmoreland County commissioners.

It was more than a month ago that a Tribune-Review editorial took the leaders to task over an apparent lack of planning for how to spend the unexpected windfall of $105.3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. While other counties were planning meetings and other ways to solicit public input, Westmoreland’s commissioners were quiet on the future of the funds.

That has changed.

The county’s website now has a survey up to get direction on prioritization of goals for the money. The survey is a place to start, but it is more than a bit vague. It offers just four categories for spending that are so broad, almost anything could fall inside their borders.

Public health includes everything from vaccination programs and supporting programs at nursing homes, homeless shelters and jails to public health data systems and investments in hospitals or other tangible projects. The negative economic impact category outlines the most direct support to residents, with noted areas such as food, housing and utility assistance, as well as loans or grants to businesses and nonprofit organizations. Service to disproportionately impacted communities lists things such as social services for early childhood and education. Infrastructure could be as transitional as sewer or water lines or as forward-facing as expanded broadband internet access.

The survey asks respondents to select three of the four categories and rank them in order of importance. A blank box gives the opportunity to make suggestions.

But the real opportunity will come in a public hearing yet to be scheduled later in the year.

What is important now is for people to do their part. The commissioners are taking steps to listen. Between the survey and the hearing, there will be plenty of ways to make voices heard.

The money could make significant differences in areas important to residents. Making sure the commissioners know what projects to prioritize is critical to spending the funds properly, and open communication with government should always be encouraged — in both directions.