RAD board OKs $101.4M budget

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

During a Zoom meeting last month, the Allegheny Regional Asset District board  approved its $101.4 million 2021 budget.

And as it has for several years in a row, the RAD budget includes operational funding for McKeesport’s Renziehausen Park and for 102 other “regional assets” in Allegheny County.

Allocations Committee member Hilda Fu described the 2021 spending plan as “a conservative budget” that is “prudent due to economic uncertainty and consumer purchasing behavior as a result of the pandemic.”

The RAD budget is funded by an estimated $100.4 million in new sales tax receipts with the balance coming from RAD’s grant stabilization fund. The money is collected via the county’s 1% sales and use tax paid by residents and visitors.

“The committee will continue to closely monitor revenue and revisit the budget to make adjustments if appropriate,” the Allocations Committee stated in its budget report to the board.

The 2021 budget includes support for 103 regional assets and maintains RAD’s historic distribution of funds with libraries and parks receiving more than 62%. Sports facilities and the convention center get 14%, arts and cultural organizations 12%; regional attractions (the Pittsburgh Zoo, Phipps Conservatory and the National Aviary) 8%, transit 3% and RAD administrative expenses at less than 1%. The budget also includes an increased line item for project grants, which will support cost-saving partnerships among regional assets, and projects that promote and enhance accessibility and inclusion, according to the board.

“As we approach the end of 2020, a year that has challenged us in ways that we never could have anticipated, the RAD Board is both awed and inspired by the creativity and continued work of our regional assets,” board Chairman Dusty Elias Kirk said after the budget meeting. “RAD aims to remain a steadfast source of support to our assets, while staying cognizant of the impacts of the continuing pandemic. 

“We are proud of our 2021 budget, and believe its responsible allocations will be meaningful to our assets and the people of Allegheny County as we continue to weather this storm and look ahead to brighter days.”

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