Gadsden County is racing to distribute its nearly $7 million in federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act funding to residents and businesses hurt by the pandemic. The county's commission chair is urging people to apply for help quickly.
All moneys that aren't distributed by the end of the year will have to go back to the federal government. But in the case of small counties like Gadsden, the funding is funneled through the state. Once the state approves the first 25% of the allocation, it will release the next 20% and so on. But even though time is running out, Gadsden County Commission Chair Dr. Anthony Viegbesie believed Florida officials will make the approvals quickly.
"The governor has been friendly and we are looking forward to his being accommodating and understanding to those of us counties in need that are very fiscally stressed and we need all the help we can get," he said.
Applications for business and individual help through the CARES program are available through the Gadsden County government website.
