LAST UPDATED ON 2021-03-13 08:21:17

Tuscarawas, other area counties to receive financial assistance from COVID-19 relief law

By Mitch Spinell

TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, Ohio - Tuscarawas County could receive an estimated $17.8 million in financial assistance funds through the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Thursday.

The funds may be used to respond to the economic impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on area households, small businesses and non-profit organizations, and industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality.

According to estimates of relief for other areas in the Tuscarawas Valley, counties like Holmes and Coshocton Counties would receive around $8.5 million and $7 million, respectively, followed by lower totals in Carroll ($5.2 million) and Harrison Counties ($2.9 million).

The legislation would also include $19.6 billion in relief for towns with less than 50,000 residents, based on a modified Community Development Block Grant formula.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury will oversee and administer payments to local and state governments, with each county being eligible to receive direct allocations from the Treasury, according to the National Association of Counties.

Local municipalities and counties would receive these funds over two payment sections - with 50% of funds paid this year and the remaining half paid no earlier than 12 months from the previous payment.