As communities all across the state and valley prepare for a windfall of cash from the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, we continue to look into some of the ways that money may be spent.

About $11 billion dollars is making its way to Ohio. Communities across our Valley getting their share. Some are getting millions, others a couple hundred-thousand dollars.

"We are going to use this money very wisely, it's not going to be squandered," said Campbell Mayor Nick Phillips.

Campbell is set to receive about $1.5 million. Their plans include upgraded and covid safe restrooms throughout city property, as well as new salt trucks.

"They've been falling apart, we've been patching them together for the last 25 years," said Phillips.

Many communities are still navigating the guidelines on how the money can be spent.

Girard's Mayor, James Melfi said the administration is placing together a "wish list" and asking the council to do the same. The projects will then be prioritized.

LordstownMayor, Arno Hill, said the village is looking to upgrade the internet, purchase some new police cruisers and provide matching funds for road projects.

Craig Beach's Mayor, Dave Spencer,  said the village is considering hiring more police officers. It's a move Spencer said this would especially help in their busy summer months.

Lowellville is also assessing where their share can be spent, but Mayor James Iudiciani said they are considering paving and road projects as well.

In Struthers, the mayor is looking to spread the wealth among their departments.

"I want to hear what projects they (city department leaders) have, what things they have coming up and really plan for 5 -10 years down the road," said Catherine Cercone Miller.

Local governments will receive their money in two payments. It must be spent by the en of 2024.


Local county, cities, and communities estimated American Rescue Plan Act funding:

Mahoning County: $44,350,000
Portage County: $31,510,000
Stark County: $71, 880,000
Summit County: $104,930,000
Trumbull County: $38,400,000
Columbiana: $19,760,000

Mercer Co. Pa: $7,985,056 (Source: National Assn. of Counties)

Warren: $29,750,000
Youngstown: $88,630,000
Newton Falls village: $880,000
Craig Beach village: $220,000
Lordstown village: $640,000
Niles city: $3,560,000
McDonald village: $600,000
Girard city: $1,810,000
Hubbard city: $1,450,000
Yankee Lake village: $10,000
Campbell city: $1,530,000
Struthers city: $1,980,000
Lowellville village: $210,000
Poland village: $470,000
Cortland city: $1,300,000