Allegheny County Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty yesterday announced plans to audit all the federal stimulus funding that has so far come into Allegheny County through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

So far, the federal government has committed about $36 million in grants, of which Allegheny County has $17 million budgeted for projects in progress, according to Mr. Flaherty. In addition, the county has submitted applications in the amount of $76.5 million for competitive grants.

"In our commitment to increase transparency, the Controller's Office recognizes the need to analyze stimulus expenditures," said Mr. Flaherty. "Audits will ensure that federal stimulus funds are used as intended and protected from fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement."

Section 1512 of the Recovery Act requires that federal stimulus recipient reports be made available online by the 30th day following the end of each quarter for all government agencies.

Reports submitted by the county will include the amount of funds received and expended for projects and activities, detailed project descriptions, project completion status, job creation estimations and/or retentions and details of sub-awards and other payments.

Mr. Flaherty plans on reviewing all financial data reported by County Executive Dan Onorato's administration.

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