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May 15, 2020

Rapid Transit, Community Development Receive CARES Act Funds

The City this month has received notification of two CARES Act grant awards, one for $3.6 million in CARES Act resources for the Rapid Transit System.  The other award is for more than $307,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds through the CARES Act.  Both City releases below contain additional information:

RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM AWARDED

$3.6 MILLION COVID-19 CARES ACT GRANT

RAPID CITY, SD--The City of Rapid City and the Rapid Transit System has been awarded a $3.6 million grant award by the US Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

            The grant was announced earlier today by US Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao  as part of a series of national grant awards.  The grants are part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Last month, the Rapid City Council authorized Public Works staff to submit a grant application to FTA for CARES Act funds.

            City officials indicate the grant will be used to support the Rapid Transit System bus and paratransit services during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Rapid Transit System operates the RapidRide and Dial-a-Ride bus services.  RapidRide is a fixed route public transportation service, providing timely service to convenient locations throughout Rapid City.  Dial-a-Ride is a curb-to-curb transportation service in Rapid City, providing transportation intended for individuals whose disabilities preclude them from utilizing the traditional fixed-route bus service.

            "The grant will provide important resources to support our RapidRide and Dial-a-Ride operations," said Megan Gould, Rapid Transit System manager.  "The award will be used for operational and maintenance services."

            RapidRide and Dial-a-Ride have been providing services in Rapid City since 1992.

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CITY TO RECEIVE CARES ACT FUNDS

More Than $307,000 Awarded For COVID-19 Response

RAPID CITY, SD--The City of Rapid City will receive $307,390 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the CARES Act.

            City officials indicate the purpose of the federal funding is to prevent, prepare for and respond to the Coronavirus pandemic.  The City is awaiting official guidance from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development before announcing the timing and distribution of the funds.

            In the meantime, City officials are working to define and identify community needs along with funding gaps that may be addressed using the CDBG funds. This week's Legal and Finance Committee agenda includes a pair of items establishing expedited procedures and provide certifications to amend plans for use of awarded funds and to administer the grant funds.

            CDBG CARES Act funding cannot be used when other resources such as FEMA, SBA, or insurance are available.

            "This is great news for the City and we plan to use the funds to address impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Ken Young, City Community Development director.  "We are reviewing our options for distributing the funds."

            CDBG CARES Act funding cannot be used when other resources such as FEMA, SBA, or insurance are available.

            “Working with other community leaders in identifying needs as well as available resources will ensure an efficient implementation of CARES Act funding,” added Rapid City CDBG Program Division Manager Michelle Schuelke.

            The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act - or CARES Act - is stimulus legislation enacted to combat the impacts of coronavirus crisis on individuals, businesses and communities. The act provides $2 trillion in funds for Americans, $377 billion in federal loans to small businesses and established a $500 billion government lending program for struggling companies. The act also sends $100 billion to hospitals across the country battling COVID-19.

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Thank you,

Darrell W. Shoemaker | Communications Coordinator

T: 605.721.6686 | M: 605.939.8551

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W: www.rcgov.org

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