STATEHOUSE (June 5, 2020) – Wells County and local communities are eligible for more than $1.3 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to local lawmakers.
"Many of our communities are facing unexpected financial challenges during this public health crisis," said State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne). "With expenses mounting, these federal funds can come in handy to help mitigate some of the monetary expenditures associated with fighting the pandemic."
Lehman said Indiana allocated $300 million in federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economics Security Act to counties and communities for reimbursement of expenditures related to the pandemic. State Rep. Dan Leonard (R-Huntington) said the funding, allocated based on population, cannot be used to replace lost tax revenue.
"For many, this help cannot arrive quick enough," Leonard said. "These funds will help fill in some gaps for many Hoosier communities by providing fast and direct economic assistance."
Wells County is eligible for $915,109 in reimbursement funding. In addition, these communities are eligible to receive the following amounts:
State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) said local townships seeking reimbursement for eligible COVID-19 expenses should coordinate with their county government.
"Our state has done a great job in prioritizing Hoosier's safety during this public health emergency," Vermilion said. "For some local governments, this has created an added financial cost. Hopefully they can put this federal funding to good use in order to help offset their COVID-19 expenses."
The Indiana Finance Authority is in charge of implementing guidelines on how each county, city and town can use the funding, as well as compiling reimbursement requests through accepted documentation including invoices. Visit in.gov/ifa for more information.
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State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Dan Leonard (R-Huntington) represents House District 50, which
includes all of Huntington County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes all of Blackford County and portions of Delaware, Grant and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
