With a Thursday, Dec. 31 deadline to either spend all of the $399 million in CARES Act funding that the county received or return it to the federal government, Maricopa has distributed or allocated approximately 71%. | Stock Photo at ShutterStock
With a Thursday, Dec. 31 deadline to either spend all of the $399 million in CARES Act funding that the county received or return it to the federal government, Maricopa has distributed or allocated approximately 71%. | Stock Photo at ShutterStock
Federal CARES Act funding must be spent by Thursday, Dec. 31 or returned, but Maricopa County is ahead of the curve, with $230 million in CARES Act funds distributed by mid-September.
The county now has approximately 71% of the $399 million that the county received – approximately $283.29 million – either spent or committed, according to a press release on the county's website.
Some of the programs being supported with the federal funds include a small business relief program, food bank assistance, rental assistance, utility assistance, internet access for schools and direct public health emergency spending, according to the release.
“A lot of our local businesses and nonprofits feel like they’re robbing Peter to pay Paul right now. There’s simply not enough money to make ends meet,” Clint Hickman, Board of Supervisors chair from District 4, said in the release. “With grants distributed to more than 2,000 businesses and nonprofits to date, Maricopa County is doing its part to support these businesses and charitable organizations which are crucial to our economic recovery.”
Additionally, food bank assistance has directed funding to the existing community efforts to help out neighbors and strangers alike, according to the release.
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