Maricopa County supervisors to roll out nearly $400M for virus response

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted on a plan to distribute nearly $400 million in federal funds for coronavirus aid that includes money for families and future needs.

Supervisors said after Monday’s unanimous approval that they set aside $175 million in case of an emergency down the road.

“The bulk of our spending is focused on what we can do to address the immediate health emergency, as well as what we can do to be prepared for whatever happens next during this pandemic,” supervisors board Chairman Clint Hickman said in a press release.

Health emergency response received the next largest sum: $93 million. Of that amount, $25 million will go toward testing services and $10 million for personal protective gear for health workers.

County services, which included more support for public-servant remote workers, safety upgrades at agency locations and expanded online options, was targeted for $77.5 million.

Individuals and families were next in line, allotted $37.5 million of the CARES Act money.

“People who need help, need it now,” Supervisor Steve Gallardo said in the release.

“They don’t want to feel like they’re getting swallowed up and lost in the system, or worse, forgotten entirely.”

County spokesman Fields Mosley said rental assistance to prevent evictions was high on that part of the list.

Small businesses were tabbed for $23 million.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.

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