Recommendation Concerning the Escambia CARES Act Plan and Implementation - Janice P. Gilley, County Administrator
That the Board discuss the Escambia CARES Act Plan update including the following topics:
1. Update on the CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant
2. The CARES Business Assistance Grant;
3. Assistance for implementing Grant programs; and
4. The funding balance for CARES Programs.
BACKGROUND:
On or about March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Public Law 116-136, (hereinafter referred to as the “CARES Act”) to facilitate the provision of federal assistance and relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Title V of the CARES ACT established the “Coronavirus Relief Fund” and appropriated $150 billion in such fund for Fiscal Year 2020, to provide direct assistance to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments to fund certain necessary and allowable expenses incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19.
By utilizing a population-based formula described in the CARES Act, the State of Florida was allocated $8.328 billion, of which amount 55% ($4.58 billion) was reserved for the state and 45% ($3.747 billion) was reserved for direct payments to eligible local government jurisdictions that exceed 500,000 in population. On June 10, 2020, the Governor of the State of Florida announced that the State would disburse up to $1.275 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funds to counties with a population below 500,000 using a phased approach through FDEM. Escambia County and FDEM entered into FDEM CARES Act Funding Agreement providing 25% of the County’s total Coronavirus Relief Fund allocation directly to the County. Through the CARES Act Agreement, the County has received $14,321,324 from the Florida Division of Emergency Management which represents 25% of the County’s total potential reimbursement amount of $57,285,296. Public assistance funding for COVID-19 Emergency Protective Measures is also available through the FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program.
Currently, Escambia County has received the following notifications or awards in relation to the CARES Act.
Source of CARES Funds
Purpose
Amount
US Dept of the Treasury
FDEM CARES Act Agreement – 25%
$14,321,324.00
US Dept of Health and Human Services
Provider Relief Fund - EMS
$395,998.00
US Dept of Justice
Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program – Jail and Sheriff
$370,107.00
FEMA
EMPG COVID-19 Supplemental
$19,949.43
CARES ACT through FL Housing
CARES CRF FHFC Housing –includes City
$903,834.00
US Dept of Housing & Urban Dev
CDBG Coronavirus Funds
$872,881.00
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
5307 CARES Act for Operating and Capital Assistance
$10,137,924.00
US Dept of Transportation
Formula Grants for Rural Areas ECAT
$541,960.00
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
The funding source is the FDEM CARES Act funding Agreement allocation to Escambia County. The County has received $14,321,324 from the Florida Division of Emergency Management which represents 25% of the County’s total potential reimbursement amount of $57,285,296.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:
The County Attorneys Office is reviewing the Contract Agreements.
PERSONNEL:
To be determined.
POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:
Board Policy II.A.
IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION:
County Administration, Deputy County Administrator, Neighborhood & Human Services staff, and any other needed County staff will coordinate this program.