Local governments in Washington to get $190M from federal funds. Where will money go?
About $190 million of Washington state’s federal stimulus funds will go to local governments to support their response to the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Jay Inslee said.
The distributions will specifically go to counties and cities with populations of less than 500,000, which did not get direct funding from the CARES Act. Pierce, King, Snohomish, Spokane counties and Seattle received direct federal distributions.
About $126 million will go to cities and counties and $62 million to health jurisdictions.
“Our local public health jurisdictions, cities and counties have worked tirelessly since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 appeared in Washington to protect their communities,” Inslee said in a statement Monday. “This much needed infusion of funds will help sustain their efforts to stop the spread of this virus.”
The state Department of Health will handle the funds for health jurisdictions.
“Local public health’s ability to be nimble, adaptive and at the forefront of our state’s response effort is critical,” Jaime Bodden, managing director of Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials, said in a statement. “CARES funding is an important resource that enables local health leaders to remain engaged with the state and responsive to our local needs in combating COVID-19.”
The funds follow $300 million that went to cities and counties earlier this year.
“Counties continue to deliver the critical services needed to combat COVID-19 while also providing support to local businesses and our most vulnerable populations,” Robert Gelder, Kitsap County commissioner and president of the Washington State Association of Counties, said in a statement. “The release of additional dollars from the Coronavirus Relief Fund comes at a crucial time as we prepare for the cold and flu season.”
Counties will get at least $300,000 and cities will get at least $30,000. The amounts will be released by the Department of Commerce later.
“City leaders have used CARES Act monies to support local food banks, main street businesses, those who need housing assistance, and safe working conditions for essential workers,” Peter King, CEO of the Association of Washington Cities, said in a statement. “We are grateful that the governor recognizes a partnership with cities and towns is crucial for recovery in our state.”
This story was originally published September 2, 2020 at 9:59 AM.
