HARRISBURG – Cameron, McKean and Potter counties will collectively receive more than $6 million in federal coronavirus relief funds under legislation approved by the House on Thursday, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).
“Just as businesses and families have been negatively impacted financially by COVID-19, so have our communities,” Causer said. “I am pleased to support this much-needed funding for our counties.”
Senate Bill 1108 directs the money to be distributed based on population with no county receiving less than $1 million. Under the bill, McKean County will receive $3.67 million, Potter County will receive $1.49 million and Cameron County will receive $1 million.
Eligible uses of funds include: offsetting cost of direct county emergency response; small business assistance; programs to support local economic development entities; assistance to cities, borough, towns or townships for costs related to the emergency including planning; behavioral health and drug and alcohol abuse treatment services; nonprofit assistance programs; and broadband internet deployment.
The county block grant funding is part of a $2.6 billion appropriation of federal coronavirus relief funds. The bill also includes $225 million for a Statewide Small Business Assistance Program; $632 million for nursing homes, long-term care and personal care; $10 million for food assistance programs; and $50 million for volunteer fire companies and emergency medical service (EMS) companies.
Pennsylvania received these funds from the federal government through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This act provides necessary emergency relief to Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senate Bill 1108 has been approved by both chambers of the Legislature and is now awaiting the governor’s signature.
