SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced a plan to deliver $841 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to Minnesota’s cities, counties, and towns. Under the plan, Carlton county will receive $4.4 million, Pine county will receive $3.6 million, and St. Louis county will receive $24.5 million. For cities – as examples – Cloquet will receive $930,226 and Moose Lake will receive $210,501.
“This funding is absolutely critical for our local units of government. Their budgets have been impacted harshly by the current pandemic,” said Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL – Esko). “Minnesotans count on a number of critical public services, and while it’s disappointing the Senate wouldn’t agree with the House to get this done during the special session, I’m glad Governor Walz is taking the action necessary to get this money out to our communities.”
The plan announced by Governor Walz reflects the formula agreed upon by legislators during the recent special session. Per capita, $121.28 is appropriated to counties, $75.34 to cities with populations over 200 or townships with a population of 5,000 or greater, and $25 to towns between 200 and 5,000 people.
Once the Legislative Advisory Commission approves the plan, funds will be distributed on a rolling basis beginning the week of June 29, 2020. More information is available from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
As part of the package, the governor also announced $12 million in CARES Act funding will be allocated toward food shelves and food banks to help combat hunger across Minnesota.