ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WEAR) — Money will soon be going to Escambia County families impacted financially by Coronavirus.
The Escambia Board of Commissioners approved to increase CARES Act dollars for families from $3.5 million to $16.5 million at their meeting on Nov. 12.
Deputy County Administrator Chips Kirschenfeld tells Channel 3 News that 5,500 of those families will receive checks worth $3,000 each.
"The $3,000 family grants can be used to help pay or rent, or utilities or car payments, or medical bills," said Kirschenfeld . "Whatever the family needs."
Kirschenfeld also said the county is close to approving nearly 5,000 more grants.
The remaining 600 will go out before the first week in December.
Assistant County Administrator Debbie Bowers indicates the Escambia CARES Business Assistant Grant program was continuing.
More than 80 applicant still need review.
$18.7 million of the $57.2 million of CARES Act funding is dedicated to people who live in the county or businesses.
Nearly $2.4 million is allocated to the Escambia Serves program, which benefits residents through the Feeding the Gulf Coast.
The county has also allocated $1.25 million for rapid testing programs.
Funding has also been set aside to establish and boost broadband internet service at the count's parks and community centers.
The Board also authorized additional expenses to be paid by CARES Act funding:
For grant program information and to view check registers, visit myescambia.com/cares.