Another round of federal COVID relief money coming to smaller Ohio governments

Within the first spherical of funding, licensed in Ohio as Home Invoice 168 final yr, there was some discrepancy between federal and state definitions of native governments, he stated. Leaving out entities reminiscent of townships can be a “large detriment,” Corridor stated.

Corridor famous that many Republicans didn’t assist ARPA however stated it’s now an “concern of equity” to distribute the cash equitably all through the state.

Dolan stated he believed if a person native authorities rejects the federal cash, these funds wouldn’t disappear or go to different states however can be redistributed elsewhere in Ohio.

“That’s my understanding as properly,” Corridor stated.

Answering state Sen. Vernon Sykes, D-Akron, Corridor stated the deposit from the U.S. Treasury may are available “a matter of days” and may very well be distributed rapidly as soon as a brand new state authorization is handed.

“It’s my understanding that these funds should not have to attend the total 90 days pending the governor’s signature on this laws,” he stated.

Talking to the total Home on Wednesday, Corridor stated the invoice authorizes direct funds to states, counties and cities of greater than 50,000. Different native governments, reminiscent of townships, will get cash as pass-through funding from these bigger entities.

“The aim of this invoice is to match the acknowledged intent of Congress to offer restoration {dollars} to all native governments,” he stated.

State Rep. Daniel Troy, D-Willowick, stated native well being districts, which incurred many bills from COVID-19, nonetheless aren’t eligible. Funding them ought to be thought-about too, he stated.

The preliminary $422 million allocation was restricted to sure makes use of, however the brand new funding can be utilized in additional methods, Corridor stated.

“In the latest pointers that the Treasury has despatched out for the ARPA funds, they’ve broadened quite a lot of these guardrails and pointers,” he stated.

The primary allocation of COVID-19 reduction funds, totaling $350 billion nationwide, went for makes use of reminiscent of vaccine incentives, reasonably priced housing, and water infrastructure, based on the ultimate federal guidelines for the second spherical.

Federal authorities obtained numerous suggestions and made some adjustments. Now native governments not should immediately calculate how a lot income they misplaced as a result of pandemic; as a substitute they’ll select to assert a normal allowance of as much as $10 million.

The second funding spherical can be utilized for capital initiatives associated to public well being or “financial response” to COVID-19.

“For instance, recipients might construct sure reasonably priced housing, childcare services, colleges, hospitals, and different initiatives according to closing rule necessities,” the federal rule says. That features lead-pipe alternative and stormwater administration.

The broadened makes use of embody group improvement and neighborhood revitalization for “disproportionately impacted communities,” in addition to instructional providers to take care of pandemic-related studying loss.

Governments can even use the cash to rent individuals, probably paying greater than earlier than the pandemic, and boosting individuals who took pay cuts or furloughs.