$102M ARPA Funds To Be Allocated In Chesco

West Chester PA

17 February, 2022

2:51 PM

Description

WEST CHESTER — A 36-member committee of volunteers will recommend how Chester County spends $102 million allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to aid communities rebuilding from the pandemic. The committee is evenly split between Chester County government employees and county residents. More than 400 people who don't work for the county government applied to serve on the committee. Chester County Commissioners' Chairwoman Marian Moskowitz greeted the committee at a recent inaugural meeting in the county Government Services Center in West Chester.The committee will make a recommendation to the county commissioners, who will make the final decision. "The ARPA funds provide us with a unique opportunity to make strategic investments to ensure all of our industries and communities impacted by COVID-19 can be restored, and even strengthened," Moskowitz said. Corey Troutman and Mike Samson, of Susquehanna Accounting and Consulting Services, Inc., Harrisburg, are supervising the committee. Commissioner Josh Maxwell said only a few counties around the country are doing anything like this. "We think this is a wonderful opportunity to make sure we're getting the best ideas possible for spending money in the best interests of our residents," Maxwell said. Use of the ARPA funds will include support for Chester County's public health response (including behavioral health); areas of negative economic impact; premium pay for essential workers; and water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. The county will target funds with the goal of improving services to disproportionately impacted communities. "This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity for this county," Commissioner Michelle Kichline said. "This is a lot of money, and we can make a real difference with it. I am excited to hear what you are going to share with us. You have an awesome responsibility." The committee represents a cross section of people covering all ages, genders, socio-economic and geographical areas of the county.