This summer Tipton County is set to receive $1.87 million in local government grants from the state for one-time, local expenses for the 2021 fiscal year.
“Capital maintenance, public safety and road projects don’t pause for disasters like the March tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Lee. “This grant fund will ease the burden on local governments as they work to meet infrastructure and safety obligations.”
Every county and city in the state will receive part of the $200 million allocated in the budget, which was doubled from its original proposal.
Funding is based on population as published by the U.S. Census Bureau. Each county will receive at least $500,000, and each city or municipality will receive at least $30,000.
In 2017, Atoka’s population rose above Covington’s, which had been the county’s most populated city since the county was founded, meaning they’ll receive more funding.
“It’s very important to our town that you fill out your census,” Atoka Mayor Daryl Walker said. “We received so many dollars per person counted.”
This is how much is being awarded locally:
- Tipton County – $977,548
- Atoka – $237,377
- Brighton – $94,462
- Burlison – $39,070
- Covington – $223,761
- Garland – $36,665
- Gilt Edge – $40,063
- Mason – $64,272
- Munford – $163,735
The general assembly planned to give $100 million in grants, but doubled it before it ended its session. This effectively doubled the allocations for each recipient.
Funds may be used for road projects, I.T. upgrades, capital maintenance, utility system upgrades and public safety projects. Certain disaster-related expenses are also eligible for funding.
One-time expenses related to COVID-19 are eligible including supply and equipment purchase, cleaning, emergency food and shelter programs.
Most area mayors said they’ll decide how to spend the grant once they get into the budget year in July.
“We are thankful to both Governor Lee and our state legislature for this over $223,000 investment in the City of Covington,” said Covington Mayor Justin Hanson. “We have just gotten this information within the past few days, so in the coming days and weeks, I look forward to productive conversations with both our city council and department heads about the allocation of these resources. I can assure our citizens that we will use these dollars to continue to provide the very best essential services possible, whether that be through public safety, infrastructure improvements, or something else.”
Munford plans to use the grant to fund the purchase of equipment for first responders, among other things.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
