Additional CARES Act funding to be awarded to local governments

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee recently announced nearly $190 million will be awarded from the state’s federal stimulus funding to local governments that did not receive direct distributions under the CARES Act, including around $5.75 million for jurisdictions in Grant and Adams counties.

“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 wrote in a press release. “This much needed infusion of funds will help sustain their efforts to stop the spread of this virus.”

The new funding for cities and counties comes on top of nearly $300 million that was distributed in the spring to cities and counties with populations under 500,000 that were ineligible to receive direct funding from the federal government under the CARES Act.

County governments and health jurisdictions in Grant County each received $1,974,800 in additional funding, while in Adams County each received $403,000. Cities in Grant County were collectively granted $834,175 in funding, while cities in Adams County received a total of $165,075.

“These funds are critical,” said Peter King, CEO of the Association of Washington Cities, in a statement. “Mayors and city councils across the state are working hard to meet the needs of Washingtonians and cities’ number one priority is the health and safety of their residents.”

“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,” King continued.

The state Department of Health will distribute funding for local health jurisdictions.

“Local public health’s ability to be nimble, adaptive and at the forefront of our state’s response effort is critical,” said Jaime Bodden managing director of Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials, 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. We’re grateful that the governor has continued to support and value the challenging work of local health officials.”