COVID Bill to Provide Estimated $215M for Mahoning, Trumbull

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mahoning Valley communities are in line to receive an estimated $215 million in funds through the American Rescue Plan, including some $188 million for the region’s two largest cities. 

That is a portion of the $11.24 billion in funding allocated across Ohio from the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that President Joe Biden signed into law Thursday.

Youngstown would receive $88.63 million and Warren would get $29.75 million, according to an estimated breakdown of the allocation for state and local governments released by U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan. Mahoning County would receive an estimated $44.35 million and Trumbull County a projected $38.40 million.    

“The bold action we took this week in Congress will change the course of daily life for working-class Americans now — and for years to come. Our local communities have been in desperate need of this funding to pay for essential jobs and services,” Ryan, D-13 Ohio, said. “This package is a lifeline for our state and local governments to get through this crisis, and I’m confident it will give them a steady foundation to build on for years to come.” 

The funding is designed to be more flexible than offered in previous packages, according to a news release from the congressman’s office announcing the allocations. Money can be used for state and local governments to support their response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, to offset revenue losses, bolster economic recovery, to provide premium pay for essential workers, and for local infrastructure improvements like water, sewer, and broadband.

Additional funds for townships will be determined at a later date by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Pictured: President Joe Biden signs the American Rescue Plan, a coronavirus relief package, in the Oval Office. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.