Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Wednesday a $300 million award to city and county governments as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
Part of The CARES Act, as it is known, established the Coronavirus Relief Fund to reimburse local governments for expenses incurred in response to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19.
During his daily press briefing, Beshear praised the work of cities and counties during the pandemic. “Our local governments have been instrumental in the public health response. Their leadership has been incredible, and it’s required everyone, from their police, firefighters, EMS, their public health unit, it’s been everybody on board.”
He said the funds will be administered by his Department for Local Government, through a formula based on population, to each county and city. “Provided they have enough reimbursable expenses, because we have to track this for the federal government, they will receive their full amount of the formula.”
He noted a portion of the money will be held back, agreed to by the Kentucky Association of Counties and the Kentucky League of Cities, in case there was another spike that required additional help.
Eligible reimbursements may include but are not limited to:
- The purchase of personal protective equipment for health and safety employees
- Expenses for communication and enforcement by governments for COVID-19-related public health orders
- Expenses for food delivery to nursing homes and vulnerable populations
- Improvements necessary for public employees to telework to comply with public health precautions
- Expenses for disinfection of public spaces and facilities
- Payroll expenses for public safety, public health, health care, human services and similar employees who dedicated substantial time to mitigating or responding to the public health emergency.
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Written by Tom Latek. Cross-posted from Kentucky Today.