City leaders from Pennsylvania and across the country convened in Washington, D.C., this week for the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference, to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing communities, from infrastructure to transportation and public safety.
John Brenner, executive director of the Pennsylvania Municipal League, said a key topic of discussion is the anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act, and how vital those dollars have been for recovery from the pandemic but also for dealing with a host of issues in local Keystone State communities.
“Throughout the state, (they) have really done a fantastic job trying to stretch those dollars, and invest in infrastructure, in gaps and broadband, fighting blight, and supporting city and municipal services,” Brenner outline. “That’s what they’ve been doing with the money.”
Brenner pointed out many local leaders have spent a lot of time listening to residents to put their American Rescue Plan Act, programs in place in their communities.
In the meantime, The American Rescue Plan Act allocated $6.15 billion to the Keystone State for COVID-19 resources and to financial help for businesses and households, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Brenner stressed in Pennsylvania, numerous projects have been implemented and some are currently being worked on which received federal funding through The American Rescue Plan. He noted there is a transportation project underway with PennDOT and the federal Department of Transportation set to affect Keystone State communities.
“A whole bunch of other folks that are working together to connect Phoenixville with the commuter rail system down there in southeastern Pennsylvania, that’s a big example,” Brenner observed. “That’s one example of how ARPA dollars are making a difference right now.”
He noted it is important for Pennsylvania to invest in small businesses, such as mom-and-pop businesses hit hard during the pandemic. He added many municipal leaders have invested dollars into helping main street businesses from Harrisburg to State College to the city of Bradford near the New York line.
