Stimulus $ Should Be Widely Distributed

Allegheny County is set to receive $377 million in federal stimulus funds including grants for PennDOT projects already underway. County Executive Dan Onorato met with minority leaders and says he wants to make sure the process for deciding on projects is inclusive. $5.5 million will be spent on housing improvement like demolishing blighted buildings, rehabilitating homes and counseling people who are having problems paying their mortgages. Another $6.7 million would help provide more housing for the homeless. Onorato says he has 3 goals in mind when putting stimulus dollars to use: the projects can be started in the next 12 to 18 months; they create jobs; and, there is an ongoing benefit, such as sewer and water line projects that are a longterm help to the environment.