The City of Jackson’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic just got a big boost from the federal government. $756,020 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) is on its way to help fund Jackson’s emergency response.
Cities in Michigan will receive a total of $2,857,209 through Community Development Block Grants for activities that prevent and respond to the spread of the coronavirus. The State of Michigan will also receive an additional $38 million for distribution to other local communities in the state. These funds are being made available through the recently-passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Gary Peters supported this funding plan.
Senator Stabenow says these funds will help cities and counties on the front lines of this battle. “Last week, Congress passed a bipartisan package that included help for cities to combat the coronavirus outbreak. Mayor Dobies is working hard to keep his city healthy, and this money will help him and other city leaders meet the critical needs of residents and protect the local economy,” said Senator Stabenow.
Mayor Derek Dobies says these CDBG funds will help strengthen Jackson’s immediate and long-term responses to this crisis. “The Jackson community is coming together like we’ve never seen before to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 through groups like the Jackson COVID-19 Action Network (JCAN). Additional resources are needed to keep our residents safe, so seeing this help coming from our Michigan senators and representatives is encouraging,” Mayor Dobies said.
There are currently no formal plans in place for how these funds will be used in Jackson. However, the federal government advises they can used for projects such as providing new medical facilities, business and economic development assistance, improving healthcare responses, and planning. “Conversations are ongoing as to how we can best use these funds. We expect the allocation process to happen decisively so we can continue our swift response,” Mayor Dobies said.
