Peduto seeks extension of disaster declaration for Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has asked City Council to approve an extension of his disaster declaration until early May.

Council is scheduled to introduce a resolution on Tuesday that would authorize an extension of the declaration until May 5. Peduto issued the declaration March 13.

It allows the city to bypass competitive bidding regulations and approve contracts and spending if necessary, according to Peduto spokesman Tim McNulty.

“It’s not so much related to social distancing and gatherings and non-essential businesses,” McNulty said. “All of that is already mandated by the state. The declaration extension is largely to allow for emergency contracts and spending, should they become necessary in coming weeks.”

Peduto has said the city faces shrinking tax revenue because of an economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic and deficit spending in 2020.

The city is in the process of securing credit lines from banks to pay bills in coming weeks.

Members are scheduled for a first vote Tuesday on the mayor’s request.