Скачать или смотреть American Rescue Plan Explained At Tri-County Meeting May 14, 2021

The American Rescue Plan, a $350 billion aid package for states, counties, cities, territorial and Tribal Governments, was explained in some detail in Fairmont on Friday, May 14, 2021 at the West Virginia High Technology Foundation Consortium Robert H. Mollohan Research Center. West Virginia will receive at least $4 billion in direct funding but expandable through grants and federal programs. On hand to explain the bill, in addition to Senator Joe Manchin III, was State Auditor John McCuskey, and staff members both from Manchin and McCuskey’s office.
Marion County is slated to receive $10.89 million, which will come in payments for
public health, investing in water and sewer infrastructure as well as broadband initiatives.
Highlights of the Program included explanations from
Joe Manchin on the bill, its purpose, usage and structure
Andrew Robinson from Office referred to distributive sheets as a guide for understanding and to answer and question.The funding mechanisms will be different for the counties and larger municipalities that will receive their funding directly from the federal government.
State Auditor John McCuskey discusses this unique program is not being anywhere else. The three goals are to see that elected officials spend the money legally, effectively and transparently.
Wes Kungel, legislative director for Sen. Manchin, who is in the Washington office, discussed six areas of eligible spending. He said the ARP can not be used as matching funds for other grants. Both Kungel and Senator Manchin said, in response to Marion County Commission President Randy Elliott concern about the lost of $1.5 million revenues from Financial Stabilization Fund, that ARP money could not backfill this loss.
Elliott also asked about the county prioritizing needs in light of Public Service Districts, water associations and Volunteer Fire Departments.
A positive respond was given to Harrison County Commissioner David Hinkle who inquired about counties pooling their money on specific infrastructure projects.