The Biden administration on Thursday released $3 billion in COVID-19 rescue funds aimed at helping localities bolster their economies in the wake of the pandemic, calling on communities to seek funding for a range of revitalization projects. It will be available to communities nationwide through six programs run through the Department of Commerce targeting jobs, tourism and jobs, among other areas, the agency said in a statement. "The flexibility of funding and wide range of programs are designed to meet communities where they are in their economic development process." The effort also includes $100 million "specifically for Indigenous communities, which were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic," the department added. State and local governments, universities and colleges, nonprofit organizations, unions and tribes may apply for the funds, which must be awarded by September 2022, it said.

Source: Mint July 22, 2021 13:52 UTC