Federal stimulus money is being used to install metal roofs on 34 units at Beltline Courts apartments and on more than 50 units at Colonial Heights. (Ledger photo / LARRY HILLIARD) Many have been frustrated by the seemingly slow pace of the flow of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, more commonly known as federal stimulus money.

Gaffney Housing Authority Executive Director Randy Mathis isn't among them.

The GHA received $597,000 in federal stimulus money to install new roofs at Beltline Courts and Colonial Heights.

Mathis said he was amazed at the fast flow of funds.

"We had a pipeline in place," Mathis said. "This is one of the quickest things HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) has done."

Mathis said federal officials used an existing formula based on the number and age of the housing units to quickly determine the percentage of federal funds for the project.

"It's a lot easier than other programs they've done with the money," he said.

The money will be used to install new metal roofs at Beltline Courts. Another 56 units at Colonial Heights will receive new metal roofs. A portion of the money will also be spent to replace existing windows at the housing units.

A string attached to receiving the funds is that the metal roof must be manufactured in America.

Mathis said it was easy to follow that guideline.

"It hasn't been that hard," he said.

An Alabama-based contractor was awarded the project. Mathis said. The contractor had 150 days to complete the project, but Mathis said he expects the job to be finished by the end of summer.