The $32.7 million that Carroll County received in federal COVID-19 pandemic funds continues to be the gift that keeps on giving.
The Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund has provided $19.53 billion in support to local governments across the country. The federal fund has provided payments to state, local, and Tribal governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.
In September 2022, Carroll County’s grants manager, Debby Standiford, updated the Board of Carroll County Commissioners on possible uses of the county’s share.
On Thursday, Standiford provided another update to commissioners. This included recommendations for further funding. Commissioners unanimously voted on those suggestions.
Of the $32.7 million allocated to the county, $7.5 million has been spent or is currently committed to various projects.
“We’re confident that another $6 million will be obligated by the end of this calendar year,” Sandiford said.
This will include funding for internet connections for households in rural areas of the county. Specifically, the county’s new Difficult to Serve – Long Driveway Grant Program, through which residents can receive up to $14,000 toward internet installation. The funding is for homes in rural areas that do not already have broadband, internet or cable TV infrastructure.
The county received $1.1 million from the state, Comcast pledged about $360,000 and the county is contributing $300,000 to operate the program.
Comcast is the internet provider since the county does not provide broadband.
Jay Uebel, the county’s broadband manager, said to date, it has received 250 applications from residents with long driveways who want to be in the program. Of that, 150 have been sent to Comcast for pricing and approval.
“We’re waiting to get that list back in September,” Uebel said. “At that point, we’ll start sending out applications that have been awarded or approved.”
Uebel said there are between 500 and 800 homes in the county with rural, long drives that could qualify for funding.
Broadband continues to be the biggest recipient of COVID-19 funds, with more than half already spent on rural areas throughout the county. Funding has also gone to sewer and water projects, human services, behavioral health, administrative support and the relocation of the county’s family shelter.
In 2021, commissioners agreed to purchase the Penn-Mar Organization building, at 115 Stoner Ave., in Westminster for $1.3 million and reclaim the land through a deed. The money came from the Coronavirus Relief Fund.
The current family shelter, at 10 Distillery Drive in Westminster, can accommodate seven families and is located on the top floor of a public social services building.
The Hampstead Wastewater Treatment Plant is another funding priority. The county has already committed $3.5 million for a sludge press house for the treatment plant.
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