Montgomery Co. Approves $15.5M CARES Act Funds

Montgomery County, TX – The Montgomery County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, September 22nd, gave the green light to distribute an additional $15.5 million in federal CARES Act funding, aiming to bolster local governments, small businesses, and non-profit organizations struggling with the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This latest allocation is part of the substantial $67 million Montgomery County received from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It follows an initial approval of $28 million in August, which was directed to entities directly impacted by the ongoing public health crisis.

Of the newly approved $15.5 million, a significant $12.5 million is earmarked for various local governmental entities and emergency service districts across the county. The distribution to these local bodies will be based on their respective populations, referencing the 2010 census data. A critical stipulation for these funds is a tight expenditure deadline: all allocated monies must be spent by December 30, 2020. Commissioner James Noack underscored the importance of accountability, stressing that all recipients must maintain absolute transparency regarding how these funds are utilized.

The remaining $3 million has been dedicated to a crucial grant program for small businesses and non-profit organizations operating within Montgomery County. This program, designed to provide direct financial relief, is being managed by the Montgomery County Community Assistance Division.

Eligible small businesses and non-profits can apply for grants up to a maximum of $25,000. These funds are intended to help cover essential operational costs or expenses incurred during re-opening phases as a direct result of the pandemic’s economic impact. The application window for this vital program opened on Monday, September 28th, and will close promptly on Friday, October 9th.

During the Commissioners Court discussion, Commissioner Riley advocated for a higher individual grant limit, seeking to provide more substantial relief to struggling entities. However, Commissioner Noack emphasized the critical need for expediency, highlighting the importance of quickly reviewing applications and distributing funds to ensure timely support.

All federal CARES Act funds allocated to Montgomery County, including this latest tranche, are subject to the strict federal deadline of December 30, 2020, for expenditure. Any funds not spent by this date must be returned to the federal government, adding urgency to the county’s disbursement efforts.

Small businesses and non-profit organizations interested in applying for the grant program are strongly encouraged to visit the Montgomery County Community Assistance Division’s website or the main Montgomery County website for detailed eligibility requirements and application instructions. Due to the limited application window, prompt action is advised.