This money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which passed Congress in March, was allocated to Missouri City from Fort Bend County based on the city’s population. The city is eligible to be reimbursed for certain expenses—incurred through Dec. 30—related to the coronavirus pandemic up to $3.7 million.
City staff, including Fire Chief Eugene Campbell, along with MPACT Strategic Consulting identified four areas of priority on which to spend the money: existing expenses, safety measures, public outreach measures and other expenses necessary for responding to the pandemic.
Included in the community outreach efforts is a $500,000 small-business grant program and a $500,000 rental assistance program. These programs will each provide up to $2,500 in assistance for 200 families or businesses.
Funds will also be spent on physical enhancements to city buildings to promote health and social distancing, upgrading technology to allow for telework and remote meetings, and coronavirus testing and emergency sick leave compensation for city employees.
The following table contains a list of the project with a brief description and cost for each, as provided in city documents.
Moving forward, the city will work to develop timelines for the community outreach projects, Campbell said.
