Missouri City approves plan to spend $4.1 million in CARES Act funding

During an Oct. 5 meeting, Missouri City City Council unanimously approved the city’s updated plan to spend its allocated $4.1 million in federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

This action modifies the $2.3 million spending plan City Council approved Aug. 3.

Included in the updated spending plan are several new initiatives, such as ultraviolet sanitizing in entryways for city facilities, hazard pay for first responders and a contract with MPACT Strategic Consulting—, he firm helping administer the city’s public outreach programs, according to Financial Services Director Allena Portis.

The updated plan also allocates additional funding for the city’s now-$1.5 million small-business lease and mortgage assistance program, which is tentatively scheduled to launch Oct. 11.

The program will provide grants of up to $15,000 to Missouri City businesses that meet a series of eligibility requirements to help cover lease or mortgage costs for the remainder of the year.

“Our businesses are a key pillar of our community, and we need to ensure they have some level of financial stability during this pandemic,” City Manager Odis Jones said in a press release. “This grant program will help business owners pay essential operating expenses and allow companies to remain open, which in turn will continue to drive our economy forward.”

Find more information about the small-business grant program and the city’s ongoing resident rental, mortgage and utilities assistance program on Missouri City’s website.

Below is a complete breakdown of the $4.1 million coronavirus project list and budget.