From Local Sources

INDIANAPOLIS — Dubois County and local communities are eligible for more than $2.1 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to State Reps. Stephen Bartels, R-Eckerty, and Shane Lindauer, R-Jasper.

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. Bartels said the funding, allocated based on population, cannot be used to replace lost tax revenue.

“Every community is affected by the virus, but we are not letting it get the best of us,” Bartels said. “We are working together to protect all Hoosiers, especially our most vulnerable. These funds could help cover many unexpected expenses, including buying PPE for our local responders.”

Dubois County is eligible for $1,380,969 in reimbursement funding. In addition, these local communities are eligible to receive the following amounts: Birdseye, $13,561; Ferdinand, $72,446; Holland, $20,244; Huntingburg, $198,685; and Jasper, $505,084.

Lindauer said local townships seeking reimbursement for eligible COVID-19 expenses should coordinate with their county government.

“It takes everyone, working together, to beat this virus,” Lindauer said. “Hoosiers are doing all they can to keep each other healthy, including our cities, towns and counties, and these funds will go a long way to help local communities cover COVID-19-related 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.