CARES funding wraps up as County plans for latest round of relief
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2021
CONTACT: Andrew or Gary Mack
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Additional $1 Million COVID Relief for Local Businesses
CARES funding wraps up as County plans for latest round of relief
JOLIET – The Will County Board ad-hoc CARES Act Funding Committee today approved another $1 million in relief funding for small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants in the amount of $10,000 are available to businesses that have not already received CARES relief.
“The County Board has been working non-stop to deliver pandemic relief funds to residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations,” said County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan (Naperville). “Even as we distribute the last of the CARES funds, we are looking at how to allocate the latest round of federal relief for Will County.”
Will County received more than $120.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds in 2020. The Will County Board created the ad-hoc CARES Act Funding Committee to oversee the distribution of those funds. Over $66 million were directed to local taxing bodies which provide vital services to residents and have been impacted by COVID-19.
“The CARES funds have had tremendous positive impacts on our communities already,” said Finance Committee Chair Ken Harris (Bolingbrook).
The initial allocation of funds directed $24.1 million to small businesses and farms, $12 million to individuals needing support for shelter, food, and utilities, $6 million for non-profits, and $12 million for other needs like public safety.
“We’ve worked hard to maximize the impact of these funds for the people of Will County,” said Minority Leader Mike Fricilone (Homer Glen). “We know that businesses are still hurting and I urge any business owner who hasn’t received CARES funding to apply for this final round of grants.”
As the Board allocates the remainder of the CARES funding, they are also seeking input for how to apportion the most recent round of coronavirus relief. The American Rescue Plan recently passed by Congress directed an additional $133 million to Will County as financial aid to residents, businesses, and non-profits adversely impacted by the pandemic which has continued on for over a year. Anyone from the public wishing to submit suggestions on how these funds could be allocated can send them via email to CountyBoard@willcountyillnois.com or to Will County Board – 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432.
