Jackson County needs to decide quickly how to spend its last $70 million in COVID-19 relief funds so that it doesn’t lose them. Some ideas are to improve infrastructure and help local businesses and charities.
Jackson County Faces Deadline to Decide on $70 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funds for Infrastructure and Local Support
KC Today says that Jackson County has until the end of the year to decide what to do with the last $70 million in COVID-19 relief funds. If they don’t, the federal government will take the money back.
This money came from the American Rescue Plan Act, which was made to help people after the flu went around. More than $17 million has been used to help local health projects, and the other $1.2 million has been used for different local needs.
The $70 million is being talked about by leaders right now. Some ideas are to fix up the government building at 1300 Washington St. or give money to groups in the area.
The money can only be used for certain things, like making sewer and water systems better, helping companies and households that have been affected by the pandemic, or making up for money that the government lost because of the pandemic. It can’t be used to cut taxes or pay for pensions.
Deadline Looms as Jackson County Considers Using $70 Million for Water Projects or Teacher Bonuses
People are coming up with different ideas for how to spend the COVID-19 relief funds, such as giving teachers bonuses or spending in water projects. Soon, the county needs to make a choice to make sure the money is used correctly and not wasted.