Governor Bill Lee announced on Monday that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic there will be up to $2 million in federal assistance for Tennessee's small businesses, $10 million in Grants for small/ rural hospitals, and $200 million in grants to be distributed to every County/City government.

 

 

Governor Bill Lee announced on Monday that due to the strain that the COVID-19 Pandemic has had on many Tennesseeans that they will be allocating Grants, and applications for federal assistance.

The Governor stated that this pandemic has not been easy on Tennessee's small businesses and nonprofits where those feeling the effects of COVID-19 can apply for up to $2 million in federal assistance through the @SBAgov Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

They will also be allocating $10 million in Small and Rural Hospital Readiness Grants to support Tennessee hospitals facing financial strain as they deliver care through the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Governor Bill Lee spoke on the Grants by saying, “Small and rural hospitals are critical to fighting COVID-19 and these grants will help complement federal aid dollars to ensure hospitals can continue delivering care through this crisis. These organizations not only provide care for existing needs but are also a key part of our efforts to build and maintain bed capacity during the expected surge of COVID-19 cases.”

The $200 million in grants to be distributed to every County and City government across Tennessee for one-time, local expenses in fiscal year 2021 can be used for road projects, I.T. upgrades, capital maintenance, utility system upgrades, and public safety projects.

According to Governor Bill Lee, “Capital maintenance, public safety and road projects don’t pause for disasters like the March tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant fund will ease the burden on local governments as they work to meet infrastructure and safety obligations.”

Also "one-time expenses related to COVID-19 are eligible including supply and equipment purchase, cleaning, emergency food and shelter programs. Counties impacted by the March 2020 tornadoes including Benton, Carroll, Davidson, Gibson, Putnam, Smith, and Wilson counties may also use the funds for tornado relief efforts."

The Governor stated that the funding is based on population as published by the US Census Bureau where each county will receive at least $500,000, and each city or municipality will receive at least $30,000 as well as the three Metro governments (Davidson, Moore and Trousdale) will receive one allocation, whichever is largest.

The application will be made available by April 30, 2020, and the funds will be made available after July 1, 2020.

Photo Credit: Tennessee Office of the Governor/ Governor Bill Lee.