PRESS RELEASE - Mayor Proposes American Rescue Plan Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 21st, 2022
Contact: socialmedia@upperdarby.org

Mayor Proposes American Rescue Plan Budget that Includes $1000 Bonuses for Employees, $1 Million for Gun Violence Prevention Initiative, Grants for Small Businesses & Other Major Investments

UPPER DARBY, PA: Mayor Keffer is happy to announce that her proposal to invest Upper Darby’s first installment of American Rescue Plan funding in major infrastructure improvements, employee bonuses, the Upper Darby Police & Fire Departments as well as Township parks and open space, small business grants, and more cleared its first hurdle at this Wednesday night’s council meeting. 

“One of our top priorities for this funding is to acknowledge and thank our township employees,” Mayor Keffer said. “They have been working tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety and kept things running smoothly for the last two years." Keffer continued, "No family here in Upper Darby or around the world hasn’t been impacted by this pandemic. That is why this plan is targeted to provide immediate relief to small businesses and first responders as well as those suffering mental health challenges or confronting the nightmare of being unhoused. It also invests in the unseen and far too often forgotten infrastructure that will provide Upper Darby with the necessary foundation to come back from this economically stronger and more unified than ever.” 

The goal of the plan is to align with the federal government's mandate to create a strong, resilient, and equitable recovery by making investments that will support the long-term growth and opportunities of Upper Darby Township. In addition to items mentioned above, also included in the plan is funding to support non-profits dealing with the growing mental health and homelessness crisis, vaccine incentives for employees as well as a new COVID testing site in Upper Darby, massive repairs and upgrades to stormwater and sewer infrastructure, and millions of dollars to replace lost revenue as a result of the pandemic. The plan is designed to comply with strict guidance from the Federal Department of the Treasury about what expenses are eligible under what it has called “The Final Rule”. 

“We inherited so much neglected infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and disinvestment on top of the pandemic’s impact that it is absolutely critical that we invest these funds strategically where Upper Darby needs them most," said Chief Administrative Officer Vincent Rongione. “We greatly appreciate councilpersons Tunis, Siddique, Hayman, Blackwell, and Billups, who strongly supported the Mayor’s proposed plan and whether you are excited about preserving open space, supporting first responders, recognizing Township employees, or any other aspect of this plan, there are plenty of reasons to attend the next Council meeting and express your support. We look forward to working with every member of Council to pass this important legislation.” 

The plan will go up for vote at the council meeting on February 2nd. The plan has been discussed at three public meetings including a recent virtual town hall meeting focused solely on the plan. The PowerPoint presentation from that meeting is attached for more detailed information.

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