Governor Unveils State’s Plans for Economic Stimulus Funds
Pennsylvania expects to receive $16 billion for highways, housing, education, infrastructure, and community revitalization under the federal economic stimulus plan. Recently, Gov. Ed Rendell outlined the commonwealth’s plans for administering its share.

Here are a few examples of how state agencies will distribute the funding:

• PennDOT will administer $1 billion for projects listed in Transportation Improvement Plans created by municipal and rural planning organizations.
• PENNVEST will administer $220 million for water and wastewater projects.
• DCED is tasked with disseminating $42 million in community action dollars.
• DCED will award loans, loan guarantees, and grants for broadband deployment or technical assistance. (Note: The total funding for this program has not been determined yet.)

Other programs, funded directly through federal agencies, provide millions of dollars for local governments to fight crime and hire additional police officers.

In the weeks ahead, Rendell will appoint a chief accountability officer to ensure that every federal dollar is spent on its intended use. Township officials and residents can track stimulus expenditures at www.recovery.pa.gov. While there, townships can download the new publication, Your Guide to the Pennsylvania Economic Recovery Package, which explains how stimulus funds will be allocated and how to apply for funding. (Click on "How Can I Get Recovery Money?")

PSATS has also scheduled three economic stimulus workshops at locations statewide next month and plans to offer a session on the funding at the state conference in Hershey. Please click here for more details about these upcoming programs.

For additional information, go to the following guide:

Senator Casey's Recovery and Reinvestment Guide

Representative Carney's Guide to The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act