Ohio townships are officially eligible for $844 million American Rescue Plan COVID-19 funds.

The Ohio Budget Management office released estimates on what our Valley townships may get over the course of two years, which is based on population.

Boardman – $4 million
Austintown – $3.5 million
Poland – $1.2 million
Howland – $1.7 million
Hubbard – $.5 million
Vienna – $300,000

The allocation will be capped at no more than 75 percent of its most recent budget as of January 2020.

Township officials said they're ecstatic and already have some ideas on how the money can be used.

"This is a very good thing that we are qualified for these dollars," Boardman Township Trustee Tom Costello said. "We have needs like every other community, and taxpayers can only step forward so much."

The criteria for funds are expected to be similar to COVID fund guidelines for cities and counties, which are meant to address the negative economic impact of the pandemic. 

The four main categories for spending are:
Infrastructure
Essential workers
Lost revenue
Public health

The Ohio Township Association said the guidelines are open for interpretation.

"Within those categories, there is the ability for folks to look at what their community needs and then maybe use the funds in one of those four broad categories for more specific purposes," Ohio Township Association Executive Director Heidi Fought said. 

Costello said he would like to use the money to pave roads and continue to address the major flood issues impacting the community for years.

"We would like to be able to continue to take on water projects that will make a difference and keep people safe in their homes and keep water out of their homes," he said. 

Liberty Township said they would like to assist local businesses and improve the Belmont Avenue Corridor.

The funds are expected to be in the townships' bank account in the coming weeks after townships go through a registration process.

Townships plan to hold public meetings regarding the funds and to get feedback from the community.