Clay County is one of 55 smaller Florida counties that will share in the $150 billion federal allocation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding.
The state has designated $38,257,784 for Clay County to address impacts of the pandemic. On June 23, the Clay County Commission accepted the first installment, $9,564,446, 25% of the total allotment, according to a news release from the commission.
Priorities for disbursements comprise:
• Family, business and nonprofits: Includes one-time assistance to households that have been impacted by COVID-19 for rent, mortgage or utility bills, and grants for qualifying small businesses and nonprofits.
• Public safety and health projects: Includes stocking ambulances with personal protective equipment and supplies, improving telemedicine capabilities, purchasing two mobile immunization labs and upgrading the Florida Department of Health building.
• General government projects: Includes improving warehouse capabilities for distribution of food and personal protective equipment, enhancing the ability for telework and adding air scrubbers to high-volume government buildings.
The commission also established a CARES Act Funding Review Team to ensure that federal guidelines are followed. The team worked with municipalities, constitutional officers, economic development groups and nonprofits to develop the spending plan.
The team will administer the spending and coordinate with a CARES Act consultant to review items for compliance.
A CARES Act funding website is being developed to provide information about projects and instructions on how to apply for financial relief. The website will be linked to ClayCountyGov.com.