Borough Assembly to consider how to spend CARES Act funds

Next week, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly is set to hold a public hearing on how to spend more than $38 million in funding from the federal CARES Act for COVID-19 relief.

The two largest line items in the ordinance would give out up to $25 million in grants.  One grant program would target small businesses with fifty or fewer employees.  Businesses who have been significantly impacted could apply for grants of up to $10,000.  Priority would be given to those businesses that have yet to receive relief funding, though any qualifying business may apply.  In addition, funds would be given to various chambers of commerce in the borough to help promote future economic activity.

The second grant program is for individuals impacted financially by COVID-19.  More than $10 million would be set aside for $100 grants.  Borough residents would need to apply and certify that they have incurred a financial loss due to the pandemic.

Aside from the two grant programs, the ordinance lays out a number of projects and other expenses related to COVID-19.  They include improvements in the ability for borough employees to work remotely, enhancements to cyber-security, ambulance refits, equipment for first responders, and various other projects that react to the needs of additional cleaning as well as social distancing at borough facilities. Additionally, credit card fees for online transactions would be temporarily waived to encourage fewer visits to borough offices by the public.

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14^th at 6:30 pm.