SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Thursday, 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. Cities would receive $350 million in aid, counties would receive $467 million, and towns would receive $24 million.
“Our cities and counties are working to deliver the public services Minnesotans count on, but COVID-19 has damaged their budgets greatly. This funding is critical toward the ability of our local communities to maintain their vitality,” said Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing). “The pandemic has challenged all of us in unthinkable ways, and we will keep working to protect the health and economic well-being of all Minnesotans both during this crisis and into the future.”
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. Under the plan, St. Louis county would receive $24.5 million and Itasca county would receive $5.7 million. For cities, Hibbing would receive $1.2 million, Chisholm would receive $371,955, Keewatin would receive $77,826, Buhl would receive $73,833, and Nashwauk would receive $72,477.
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.