The State of Kansas Finance Council approved the distribution of $400 million in funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to local governments to help combat the health and economic challenges brought on by COVID-19 and to help prepare local entities for any future outbreaks of the disease.
Under the first round of Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARKS) disbursement, each county in Kansas will receive funding based on population, COVID cases, and unemployment rates.
Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, announces that Barton County will receive $5,268,052 to address medical and public health needs and provide economic support to those suffering from business interruptions.
Hathcock stated that round one funding must be used for reimbursement and direct aid for eligible expenditures as outlined by the federal CARES Act.
“The monies will provide much-needed relief for ongoing public health and emergency services. Reimbursements will help offset direct expenses so Barton County can continue to provide quality services and support.”
In addition, counties are encouraged to share funding with cities, schools, and local businesses.
A plan will need to be devised quickly, to report COVID expenditures to the state. Additional announcements are expected within the upcoming weeks.