MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown residents will have opportunities starting next week to provide input about how the city should utilize federal coronavirus relief funds.
President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan in March, which allocated $1.9 trillion toward coronavirus response efforts. The city has already received $5.6 million from the federal government, and officials anticipate a second equal installment will be received next spring.
An online survey will be open from Aug. 1 to Aug 21, in which the public will be allowed to submit preliminary project ideas. Haws said officials are considering having public meetings on Aug. 18 and Sept. 1 to allow residents another opportunity to submit comments. The Morgantown City Council could approve a spending plan as early as Sept. 21.
According to City Manager Kim Haws, the money can only be spent on public health expenditures, addressing the economic effects of the pandemic, replacing lost revenue, paying essential workers, and infrastructure projects.
“It’s crucial to get the input of the community and we feel that strongly, and I think that’s the intent of the funds also,” he said. “This ensures the city aligns the use of the funds with the priority of our residents.”
Haws added city officials will also benefit from existing partnerships with the Monongalia County Commission and other agencies, noting it could provide opportunities to leverage dollars and increase project values.
“I think it’s going to be a creative process, I’m excited about it and I think it’s going to work well,” he said. “I think we can do a pretty good job in that two-month period.”
Municipalities have until Dec. 31, 2024 to obligate the funds and until Dec. 31, 2026 to spend the money.