Monongahela Council angry with lack of MMVTA support from Washington County

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Monongahela Council members voiced their displeasure after learning that Washington County Commissioners refused a request for contributions made by the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority last year.

George Eckert, president of the Monongahela Area Revitalization Corporation, who represents the city on the authority’s board of directors, said Westmoreland County approved $73,080 in its 2021 operating budget to be used for the authority’s expenditures.

Eckert said Washington County made no such budget allocations, which council perceived as a snub by commissioners to the Mon Valley section of the county.

Council members agreed at Wednesday’s meeting to draft a letter to the commissioners to voice their displeasure.

“We feel very disappointed by the actions not taken,” Councilman William Polonoli said.

Councilman Ken Kulak agreed with Polonoli.

“We need to let them know we’re paying attention,” he said.

According to MMVTA Executive Director Ashley Seman, Washington County hasn’t contributed to the authority’s expenditures for approximately 10 years, although the authority still seeks contributions from the county. 

In August, the authority sent a letter requesting more than $55,000 in allocations.

“The steering committee wanted to repursue it, and it was agreed upon to have Washington County communities involved and reach out to county commissioners for funding to help alleviate local match funds,” Seman said.

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