As Project RESOLVE begins to take shape at Penn State Behrend, so too does a power struggle in County government, with County Executive Brenton Davis pledging millions to the idea while several councilmembers urge patience. 
"The county executive has no authority to make any promise of money whatsoever," said Erie County Councilwoman Mary Rennie. "It's like we're in the same family, but he's one of the minors in the family. It would be a little bit like your teenager taking control of the mortgage fund and just deciding they're going to spend it on whatever they would like."
Those opposed to the idea say it's not the best use of American Rescue Plan money, and they question if the project is even legally allowable.
County Council Solicitor Tom Talarico argues "Spending ARPA money for general economic projects in not permissible."
Administration officials say it's not just allowable, it's sensible. 
“You can build and create programs that are going to draw business to Erie County, that highlight in particular industry, to create jobs, quite frankly," said County Solicitor Bill Speros. "When we are talking about the expenditure of transformative grants, that’s exactly where we should be focusing.“
 Davis administration officials argue they’ve done their homework, saying they have two memos from an outside consulting firm and an outside law firm, both saying that Project RESOLVE is an appropriate use of rescue plan money.
“They both gave us a thumbs up, so we feel good that this is an appropriate, legal and prudent expenditure of money,” Speros said. 
That's critical, because if federal auditors say it's not allowed, taxpayers are on the hook.
"If this money gets clawed back by the federal government because it’s been misappropriated and does not qualify, then the community loses," said Former Council President Carl Anderson.
So Rennie is calling for patience, saying there's no rush, and it's vital that the county gets this decision right.
“If someone is telling you to hurry up and pledge an amount that large, and you have nothing on paper, whatsoever, in the way of fine print, why would you?" she said. "As a public servant? Never.”
 
MORE ON PROJECT RESOLVE
 
Statement from Robb Frederick, Penn State Behrend Associate Director for News and Information
 

"Project RESOLVE is a 10-year regional strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of the local manufacturing base while navigating a shift to more sustainable operations. By focusing on plastics, metal casting and transportation – industries that currently employ approximately 17% of all jobs in the Erie region – Project RESOLVE will build on Erie’s tradition of manufacturing excellence.

The first phase of RESOLVE includes the construction of a Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness, with laboratory space and a testing facility for next-generation technology adoption and best practices. Penn State is prepared to match up to $5 million in funding for the center.

The Project RESOLVE proposal has been supported by state and local lawmakers, including members of Erie County Council, and has been identified as a priority initiative for Gov. Wolf.

Penn State Behrend is committed to working with local elected officials to advance this initiative and continue Erie County’s tradition of manufacturing excellence."