Vice Mayor Robert Weinroth announced that the Board of County Commissioners has agreed to allocate additional CARES Act
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PALM BEACH COUNTY — Vice Mayor Robert Weinroth announced that the Board of County Commissioners has agreed to allocate additional CARES Act Relief funds for a number of programs that have been impacted by the pandemic. The funding allocations are:
Broadband: $3,750,000
As the county continues to work with school officials on expanding broadband, a greater need was identified in addressing the underserved communities in the county. This is in addition to the original allocation of over $13 million.
Additionally, FPL has also played an integral role in providing 1,000 poles for broadband equipment installation.
Cultural grants: $1,025,000
Nonprofit grants: $4,240,000
The county will contract with United Way of Palm Beach County to administer the distribution of nonprofit grants in a manner similar to county’s small business grant program with an online application process on a first-come, first-eligible basis. More information to follow.
Health Department Contact Tracing: $1,000,000
Recognizing contact tracing plays an extremely important role in minimizing the spread of COVID-19, this new allocation will assist in increasing these efforts.
The board also requested staff evaluate additional funding opportunities for small businesses precluded from previously obtaining a small business grant.
The county originally received approximately $261 million from the federal CARES Act Relief Fund. Over the past few months, these funds have been allocated for numerous programs and expenses incurred as a result of the pandemic. For more information on these funds, visit http://www.pbcgov.com/pubInf/Agenda/20201006/5E1.pdf
The board also approved agreements with 11 nonprofits that provide public services for the allocation of funds through a federal Community Development Block Grant Program. Over $250,000 was provided for programs involving domestic abuse, abused teens, legal aid, housing for abused children and more.
