LIHU‘E — If approved by the state, the county hopes to put over $28 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds toward direct assistance, economic and supply chain resiliency and preparing for a potential next wave of the novel coronavirus.
The state received $862,823,979 in CARES Act funds, and will delineate $28,715,551 to Kaua‘i, a sub-recipient. But first, the county must submit a detailed plant and budget, signed certificates for the state’s handbook, and a point of contact overseeing the use of the funds by Friday for approval.
Managing Director Michael Dahilig attended yesterday’s Kaua‘i County Council meeting to present the proposal.
“I know many of the items that have been related to COVID-19 have been on the fly,” Dahilig said acknowledging past animosity between the council and the Mayor’s administration. “We appreciate your (the council’s) flexibility and taking the time to convene this special meeting.”
Initially, the county planned to equally distribute the award among these three categories, but has since divvied money toward resiliency and assistance.
“As we still listened feedback from the economic development team, as well as some of our community functions,” Dahilig explained.
Most of the funds, $11.1 million, will go toward economic and supply chain resiliency in the way of $9 million in grants distributed to agriculture ($2 million), tourism and economic diversification ($3 million) and non-profit organizations ($4 million).
The county is currently developing a request for proposal process with proposals evaluated by committees.
The county hopes to get grants out by mid-July, because by Dec. 11, the county has to certify anticipated expended money and return unused funds back to the state. CARES Act funds must be used by Dec. 30 of this year.
“So that is why we’re increasingly concerned about the durability of nonprofits being able to spend-down this equity, so we do not end up in a situation that we have to return funds back to the state,” Dahilig said. The state is also expecting a monthly report providing status updates.
Under the resiliency heading, the county is also proposing $1 million each toward increased digital services for the public, like waiving online transition fees for residents, and other “digital equity efforts.” Overhead for the resiliency portion is budgeted at $100,000.
The county hopes to put about $9.25 million into directly toward programs like food support services ($1.5 million); mental health and domestic violence prevention grants to nonprofit ($1 million); and social-distanced summer fun and child caregiving ($500,000).
The largest single line-item on the budget put $5 million toward small business locals and other support grants. The process, to be determined, will possibly be part of a competitive review process or working with the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce on targeting areas of need.
In terms of preparedness, the county is setting aside $8,365,551. Part of this money will go toward the construction of a houseless shelter ($2 million).
The budget also sets aside money for law enforcement ($2.75 million), testing kids and other personal protection equipment ($1 million) and isolation vehicles ($250,000).
Overhead costs account for about 5% of the funds at $1,415,551, according to the proposed budget.
The county hopes to get a finalized request for proposal plan finalized and out next week.
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Sabrina Bodon, public safety and government reporter, can be reached at 245-0441 or sbodon@thegardenisland.com.
