A Mount Vernon study group has recommended a variety of ways to spend $1.7 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds under the American Rescue Act Plan, including paving streets, improving water quality and creating a revolving loan fund for businesses.

Even the city's alleys would see improvements under the study's committee's proposal. It suggests spending $35,000 to enhance downtown alleyways by making them "safe, tourist-friendly, walkable pathways." The improvements would include "public art, beautification, lighting."

There would be $400,000 for paving streets. Sidewalk improvements and repairs would also be in the mix under the study group's recommendations, which include spending $50,000 on those projects.

The panel suggested allocating $100,000 for loans to build and expand businesses.

There would be $200,000 earmarked for the Mount Vernon Police Department for a community advocate program to "provide social services to trauma victims, mental health and recovery."

Funds would be allocated for storm drainage improvements and child care. There would be $80,000 for a community resources navigator for "coordination of services among the nonprofit service providers."

The panel recommended spending $40,000 for storm water drainage in Memorial Park, including "infiltration trenches." There would $40,000 for utility infrastructure work on North Catherine and Chestnut streets and $300,000 for utility separations at Cooper Progress Park, the former Siemen's complex, which the Knox County Land Bank county is redeveloping into an industrial park. The factory  complex encompasses 670,000-square feet of space in 25 buildings on 47 acres.

"We had a 14-member study group who gave a great  deal of thought and consideration to the different needs of the community," Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr told the Mount Vernon News. "We are looking to partner with other agencies to leverage the funds  and make them stretch further."

The study committee's proposals are "not set in stone" but are considered "a working document," the mayor said.

The city is expected to receive the $1.7 million in federal funds under the federal American Rescue Plan.