Donora navigates rules for COVID relief money
By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
Like many boroughs, cities and other municipalities, Donora has gotten its first payment from the American Rescue Plan Act and is figuring out what to do with the funds.
It’s a windfall for such a small town — a big one, too — but it’s one of the trickiest windfalls there could be as the rules governing its use require a lot of research.
Borough Administrator Terri Petroske has been doing the research, but said there is more learning that needs to be done. She’d also like to get some input from residents on how some of the money should be spent.
Donora will get a total of $477,500 in American Rescue Plan Act funds issued in two payments. The borough received the first installment of $238,750, and the second will be issued in the spring.
Petroske said the webinars and articles she’s read so far have indicated that all local governments are required to provide periodic reports that will give a detailed accounting of the use of the funds.
“I am suggesting getting input from residents, department heads and all of council,” Petroske said. “I think that is essential in the decision-making process of how these funds are used.”
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