The Potluck

State distributes nearly $600 million in COVID-19 relief funds to local governments

By: Rilyn Eischens - July 9, 2020 4:28 pm

Photo illustration by Getty Images

The state has distributed nearly $600 million in COVID-19 relief aid to local governments, the Minnesota Department of Revenue and Minnesota Management and Budget announced Thursday.

Gov. Tim Walz authorized the funds, part of the federal CARES Act, for distribution in late June. By June 29, 64 counties and 196 cities had been approved to receive aid, which can be used for government services and grants to people, hospitals and businesses affected by COVID-19, according to a release.

Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly said in the release that the department sent out 70% of the funds in under two weeks. Local governments can continue to apply through mid-September, and any unused funds have to be returned to the state by mid-December.

“Getting this aid to counties, cities and towns quickly and accurately is a priority for our department,” Bauerly said in the release. “We will continue to work with local governments to ensure they receive funds in a timely manner as more of them apply for their aid.”

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Rilyn Eischens

Rilyn Eischens is a former data reporter for the Minnesota Reformer. Rilyn was born and raised in Minnesota and has worked in newsrooms in the Twin Cities, Iowa, Texas and most recently Virginia, where she covered education for The Staunton News Leader. She's an alumna of the Dow Jones News Fund data journalism program and the Minnesota Daily. When Rilyn isn't in the newsroom, she likes to read, add to her plant collection and try new recipes.