Tipton Secures Over $50 Million for Rural Transit Through CARES Act
Statement
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced over $50 million dollars will be allocated to communities in Colorado's Third District and other rural parts of Colorado to assist in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The funds were made available after the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law late last week. Congressman Tipton (CO-03) outlined the necessity for rural areas to be included as the bill was crafted by legislators and has since pressed the Trump Administration to prioritize critical funding to undeserved areas of Colorado's Third District. Tipton welcomed the announcement and released the following statement:
"Every sector of our state's economy, public and private, faces unprecedented and worsening challenges as this outbreak spreads, including in our rural communities where resources are already tight under good circumstances. These funds will play a critical role in giving these communities a chance to get ahead of some of these hurdles. I am glad President Trump and Secretary Chao have listened to my calls to immediately assist rural communities during this period of uncertainty. As additional funds are allocated, we must ensure proper oversight so they are spent appropriately and distributed to the communities that need them most and that are at the greatest risk of deepened economic hardships as a result of this virus."
Colorado's entire transit systems will receive over $327 million, the largest distributions in Colorado's Third District are Pueblo with $6.1 million and $5.4 to Grand Junction. $39 million has also been apportioned to other rural areas of the state. These funds can be used to support operating, capital and other expenses incurred beginning January 20, 2020. The funds are being awarded at 100 percent federal share.
Tipton outlined several priorities for Colorado's Third District before the CARES Act was passed including:
-Reauthorization of the Community Health Center (CHC) Fund
-Direct financial support for CHCs to keep doors open
-Immediate direct financial support for Critical Access Hospitals
-Direct financial Support and Loan Guarantee for all severely distressed sectors
-Coronavirus Tribal Relief Fund
-Emergency funding for small airports
Source