Media Contact: Natriece Bryant, Deputy Executive Director | 303-241-8364
Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) will allocate up to $275M to local governments across the state from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CVRF), in an effort to reduce the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. Congress mandated CVRF as part of the federal CARES Act under Title V. It allows local governments to receive reimbursements for necessary expenditures that were not accounted for in the most recent local government budget, that were incurred as of March 1st due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
“We understand that local governments in Colorado have been challenged like never before due to this pandemic,” said DOLA Executive Director Rick M. Garcia. “We are resolved to provide this crucial assistance in a quick and efficient manner to those who need it.”
Counties, municipalities and special districts have at least thirty days to opt in for CVRF funding through an application on the DOLA’s website, after June 3rd.
“Municipalities stepped up to protect their employees and help local businesses stay afloat,” said Kevin Bommer, Executive Director of the Colorado Municipal League (CML). “These funds will ensure their eligible, unbudgeted expenses can be reimbursed.”
Applicants are required to supply affirmations of spending, reporting, monitoring, and other federal stipulations. Counties and municipalities are required to collaborate on funding requests, and awards will be capped based on county geographic population.
“This funding is vital to helping local governments with COVID-19 expenses. Many thanks to the mindful and collaborative planning with our local government partners CML, Colorado Counties Inc. (CCI), CCAT and DOLA. Many thanks to the dedicated work of DOLA and the Governor’s Office in allocating the funds to local governments,” said Ann Terry, Executive Director of the Special District Association.
DOLA will announce an expedited award process and guidance for participants in the coming days, once local governments have begun opting in. The goal is to see this financial assistance directly affect the communities where it is needed, quickly and effectively.
“A pandemic that is no fault of the residents of Colorado should not prevent them from their rightful services of their local governments,” said John Swartout, Executive Director of CCI. “And now it won’t.”
DOLA is responsible for strengthening Colorado’s local communities and building capacity by providing strategic training, research, technical assistance, and funding to localities. DOLA works in partnership with local governments and communities statewide to provide funding for projects and disaster recovery relief. For more, please visit: https://cdola.colorado.gov/about-dola.