Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced emergency legislation to reallocate $6.5 million of Howard County funds in FY 2021 to ensure critical pandemic support for Howard County residents, businesses, and families.
The aid would include:
- $2 million for the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) to issue additional grants and low interest loans;
- $1 million for Howard County General Hospital (HCGH) to continue creating infrastructure for additional ICU and bed capacity;
- $1 million in housing assistance to prevent evictions and foreclosures;
- $1 million for food and utility bill assistance;
- and $1.5 million for the extension of vital educational support and childcare programs like HoCo Scholars and RecZone.
“Over the past ten months, we have used every tool in our toolbox to ensure the health and safety of our community,” said Ball. “While we are encouraged that Congress is acting to extend the CARES Act spending deadline, the recent Congressional relief package unfortunately provides no additional funding for State and local governments as we prepare for a winter surge. At this moment, it is necessary for Howard County to once again step up and ensure the well-being of our residents and businesses. We all know there are brighter days on the horizon, but this pandemic is far from over. What is most clear, is many people cannot wait for relief and action is needed now.”
In June, Howard County received $56.8 million in funding of which $41.4 million was directly appropriated for Howard County Government. This funding has been used for many critical things including providing business assistance grants, virtual learning assistance and technology procurement for the Howard County Public School System, rental assistance support for County residents, and improving food access in the County.
Stay tuned to Conduit Street for the latest.
