Local officials are applauding today’s passage of the American Rescue Plan by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Ryan says it’s the largest stimulus bill the county has ever benefited from, with about $28 million in COVID-19-related economic relief expected.
"The County will look to prioritize the needs of our local economy and residents with this much-needed federal relief. We all owe a huge thank you to Representative O’Halleran and Senators Sinema and Kelly for listening to the needs of the County as we combat the pandemic and providing leadership to get relief from Washington flowing to Coconino County,” Ryan said in a press release.
Arizona cities and towns will also receive $20 million from the package.
According to Navajo Nation officials, the bill includes $20 billion for tribes with $6 billion alone going to the Indian Health Service.
"The bill provides significant discretion for the Secretary of the Treasury to determine funding for each tribe. Our administration recommended that allocations for tribes be based on four factors that include population, land base, number of employees, and direct COVID-19 impacts measured by coronavirus infections, deaths, and other key factors," said President Jonathan Nez in a press release.
Other funds will benefit education, childcare and economic and infrastructure investments along with other initiatives on the reservation.
