By Nyamekye Daniel
The Center Square
Raleigh – North Carolina has distributed 75 percent of the $3.5 billion of aid it received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act, Gov. Roy Cooper announced.
Cooper said on Oct. 2 the N.C. Pandemic Recovery Office, the state division that oversees CARES Act funds, has released $2.6 billion to state agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, schools, colleges and research organizations.
“North Carolina families, businesses and communities have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis, and we’re working to get relief to those who need it,” Cooper said.
In late March, the CARES Act, authorized by Congress, earmarked more than $4 billion for North Carolina to cover COVID-19 expenses. Local governments with more than 500,000 residents received 45 percent of the funds directly from the U.S. Treasury. Smaller counties received an even share of $300 million from the state and were required to disperse 25 percent to its municipalities.
The General Assembly allocated the funds in three separate relief bills. A majority of the aid was used to bolster public health and continue education during the pandemic.
Schools, universities and colleges received more than $530 million. Lawmakers allocated more than $560 million to the Department of Health & Human Services to help local health departments, rural and underserved communities, tests, tracing, food assistance and social services.
Andrews
The Town of Andrews received $168,384.71 in coronavirus relief funds, most of which will be used to cover payroll expenses for public safety, health and similar employees whose services are substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
According to a tentative plan obtained by the Cherokee Scout, Andrews officials expect to use $5,384.71 on public health expenses such as communication and enforcement of public health orders, acquisition and distribution of medical and protective supplies, and disinfection of public areas.
Officials also expect to spend $2,000 on “actions to facilitate compliance with COVID-19-related public health measures.” Meanwhile, $1,000 will be spent on medical expenses, such as establishment of temporary medical facilities and testing. The remaining $160,000 will be spent on payroll.
Murphy
The Town of Murphy received $149,322.29 in coronavirus relief funds and also plans to spend most of it on payroll expenses. Officials expect to spend about $5,500 on medical expenses, such as testing and emergency response.
In addition, the town expects to spend about $1,500 on actions to facilitate compliance with COVID-19-related public health measures, such as distance learning and telework. The remaining $142,322.29 will be spent on payroll.
N.C. PRO also distributed the following:
- $467 million to state agencies to improve broadband and assist businesses affected by the pandemic and communities;
- $440 million to the N.C. Department of Revenue to provide a grant to parents to offset costs associated with remote learning or child-care expenses;
- $187 million to the N.C. Department of Public Safety for personal protective equipment and to support the N.C. Highway Patrol and National Guard;
- $97.7 million to hospitals for expenses incurred for providing patient care, purchasing personal protective equipment and expanding tele-health capabilities;
- $92.8 million to nonprofit organizations.
Cherokee Scout Assistant Editor Penny Ray contributed to this report.