Smaller cities, counties facing financial challenges too
A Virginia lawmaker is hoping to loosen restrictions on how money is spent from the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. Specifically, U.S. Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., would like for smaller cities and counties in Southwest Virginia to receive more federal money to help offset revenue losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virginia has received more than $3 billion from that act but, so far, localities can only be reimbursed for expenses related to the pandemic, not to make up for lost revenue. Localities such as Tazewell County are currently dealing with a loss of revenue as a result of the pandemic.
Warner addressed the issue last week during a conference call with a group of professionals from Tazewell County, including Richlands Mayor Paul Crawford, Clinch Valley Medical Center CEO Peter Mulkey, Tazewell Today Executive Director Amanda Hoops, and Tazewell County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Stacy.