Grant County to get COVID-19 grant

GRANT COUNTY - Grant County is expected to receive an estimated $145,270 block grant from the state Department of Commerce to assist people and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release Thursday.

The funds can be used at the discretion of county authorities through partnerships with local service providers to address a variety of local needs, including providing food and rental assistance, small business support and health services.

Grant County was one of 17 rural counties awarded an estimated $1.8 million in funds in total through the Economic Opportunity Grant program. Only Yakima and Whatcom counties are to receive a larger amount, estimated at $187,165 and $154,946 respectively. Of the 17 counties in this program, only Yakima, Whatcom and Skagit have more confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, according to statistics from the state Department of Health on Thursday evening.

Adams County is included in Grant County’s service area.

- Emry Dinman