Westmoreland County is on the cusp of generational change thanks to $105 million in American Rescue Plan funds (“Westmoreland residents seek input on spending $105M in pandemic funds,” July 31, TribLIVE). The opportunity to improve the lives of county residents is unprecedented. Funds directed to those in rural and underserved communities will fundamentally change their lives.
Treasury guidance specifically identifies housing and rental assistance, direct aid to families, health care, mental health and child care as allowable uses of plan funds (Interim Final Rule and Treasury Guidance).
Change on this scale requires thoughtful planning with input from county residents of all classes, races and economic circumstances. Our three commissioners have a chance to be the leaders behind transformational change in our county.
They could set powerful spending priorities and a spending plan that is developed with community members. Allowable uses and allocation methodologies already have been set by the Treasury Department and will not change.
Meaningful engagement with county residents must begin now. Transparency in spending at all stages must include community stakeholders.
This is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity, and the commissioners must act now in a fair, equitable and timely manner to assist those who are in desperate need of assistance now.
Michael Pardus
Penn Township, Westmoreland County