MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - Financial relief is about to pour into state and local governments as part of the American Rescue Plan.

The U-S Treasury has given states, counties, and cities pretty wide latitude on how it spends Recovery Act dollars, from food assistance, helping struggling industries, rehiring workers, and some infrastructure improvements.

Dave Ditzler Mahoning County Commissioner says first a priority for $44.418,992 will be to help people and businesses still struggling but he adds commissioners will also work on a long term plan.

"We don't have a definitive plan. We just found out what we can use the money for. We will begin having discussions on what our priorities will be and the wisest ways to use the money," said Ditzler.

Commissioner Ditzler emphasized, "Our first and foremost priority will be to help people first, rental assistance, food assistance, make sure people and businesses are getting back on their feet, because the America Rescue Plan is intended for that."

He went on to explain that some sanitary sewer lines, and projects to help reduce flooding may also be a possibility.

Ohio's Townships got word they had been waiting for. Congressman Tim Ryan announced at his urging along with members of the congressional democratic caucus, the Treasury is giving millions to states for townships and non entitlement unit or governments with populations of less than 50,000. Ohio will divide over $843,726,939 between them.

Austintown Trustee Jim Davis told WFMJ News unfortunately paving roads is not allowed. On the townships wish list may be another ambulance to help people, however Ohio's 1300 townships are still in the dark until more guidance is released by the Treasury Department next week.

"The amount of money we get is going to determine what we can spend it on. We would like to know how much money are we getting, where are we getting the money from, and what can we spend it on," said Davis.

Davis pointed out that Austintown is one around 17th, one of the larger townships in the state, so if the money is distributed by population then they should get a good amount. He also pointed out that only 26 states have townships, and that they are all waiting on word on the formula for distribution by states.

Youngstown's Mayor Jamael Tito Brown tells us he will meet with his team this week to form plans on how to best use the $82,775,370 the city will receive.

He joined a White House Webinar in the evening which will help guide their plan of action.

Ohio State and Local Governments will Receive $10.6 Billion from American Rescue Plan