By LISA MACNEIL
Agreement with State Division of Emergency Management
At the June 23rd Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, Economic Development Director Valerie Pianta presented two directives signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, designed to hasten the economic recovery of all counties within the State of Florida. Counties with a census over 500,000 have already received direct funding from the Federal government. Now, less populated counties will receive these funds. The grant award is for $8,459,386.00 with no cost match from the County. The board unanimously approved.
Funds will be distributed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM). To receive disbursement, county governments must sign a funding agreement with the FDEM stating: “The County will use the fund disbursement on eligible expenditures as defined by the CARES Act, and related guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury; The County agrees to repay the State of Florida any portion of the disbursed funds that is unused, or is not utilized in accordance with the CARES act stipulations; and The County agrees to submit quarterly reports to FDEM detailing the expenditure of disbursed funds as well as projections of eligible expenditures.”
The initial disbursement will be 25% of the total amount, calculated at $2,114,846. County staff will be preparing a CARES Act Spending Plan for the Board’s review and approval at a future meeting. The Plan will include input from BOCC departments, Constitutional Officers, Judicial, and the City of Brooksville to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the funding.
Small Business Recovery Grant
Commissioners at the June 23rd regular meeting voted unanimously to approve the Hernando County Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Small Business Recovery Grant.
Newly available to help stimulate the local economy, the program will provide recovery grants up to $5,000 to eligible small businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The intent of the grant is to offset the temporary loss of revenue and assist these businesses in their efforts to recover in the aftermath of this historic global pandemic.
These grants are made available through a $5 million federal grant. The funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the timeliness of submission, eligibility and approved application status. Business owners may submit their complete application online at https://form.jotform.com/HernandoCounty/hernandocares.
The Office of Economic Development began reviewing applications on Monday, June 29, 2020. There is no deadline to apply, and incomplete applications will not be accepted. The program will continue until the grant funds have been exhausted.
Visit https://bit.ly/3esXu0j to see if your business is eligible, the application requirements, FAQs and any additional resources on the Hernando CARES Program.
Applicants may contact the Hernando County Office of Economic Development at (352) 540-6400 or [email protected] for additional information. Applicants will be notified by email of the award.
