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From WDIO-TV - June 26, 2020

Governor Tim Walz announced a plan to distribute $853 million in relief to communities across the state impacted by COVID-19 Thursday. The funding was authorized under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

According to the Governor's office, $841 million will be distributed to Minnesota counties, cities, and towns to support local government coronavirus relief efforts, while $12 million will be allocated toward food shelves and food banks to help combat hunger across Minnesota.

“This funding will bring much-needed relief to communities across the state as we continue to battle this pandemic together," Governor Walz said.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue will distribute the funding to local governments in the form of a direct payment based on the per capita formula developed by the state legislature during special session.

Counties with population under 500,000: $121.28 x county population

Cities with population over 200: $75.34 x city population

Organized towns with population over 5,000: $75.34 x organized town population

Towns with population over 200 and under 4,999: $25.00 x town population

Cities or towns with a population of less than 200 will have their distribution sent to their county:

Cities with population under 200: $75.34 x city population

Organized towns with population under 200: $25.00 x town population

The Governor's Office said that prior to distributing the aid, local governments must certify their intent to follow federal guidelines for the use of funds received.

Goveror Walz submitted the proposal to the Legislative Advisory Commission Thursday for review and is requesting their swift approval so the funds can be distributed.

The Department of Revenue will distribute funds on a rolling basis beginning the week of June 29, 2020.

Any remaining unspent funding must be returned to the state by December 10, 2020, and the state must recoup money if local governments are found to have spent the aid improperly.