Bello: Monroe County receives $144 million, now it wants your help on how to spend it

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Monroe County Executive Adam Bello is now looking to people living in the county to help figure out how it will use hundred of millions in federal funds to improve the area.

During an announcement at the Seneca Park Zoo Saturday, Bello said the county now has $144 million, by way of the American Rescue Plan Act. With the money, the county executive announced two initiatives, including what he says is the county’s first comprehensive plan in roughly 40 years.

The plan will be called "Plan Forward." The other plan, "Bring Monroe Back" will build on previous work, and will focus on six key priority areas.

• Public safety
• Public health & wellness
• Economic recovery
• Workforce development
• Infrastructure
• Sustainability

Bello says the county will launch a community outreach initiative to get your feedback on what should specifically be in the plan. He says there will be a number of in-person and virtual hearings, as well as a survey, which is now officially online.

The hearing will be held on the following days:

• Wednesday, Oct.27 at the Millennium Lodge at Greece Canal Park
• Wednesday, Nov.10 at Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School
• Wednesday, Dec.1 at the Grandview Lodge at Powder Mills Park
• Wednesday, Dec.8 "Virtual event"

"We must make sure that we have another 200 years to celebrate," Bello said.

The money was secured by both U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand as well as Rep. Joe Morelle.

Watch the full press conference in the video in the player below (mobile users, click here):