The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, set aside $2.2 trillion to offset the economic fallout in the U.S. from the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
About $2.36 billion was allocated to Tennessee through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) to help ensure local needs are being met. More than $67 million of that was earmarked for broadband.<\/p>\n
TNBA Executive Director Levoy Knowles said TNBA members received more than $19 million from the fund, which was used for a number of projects including broadband expansion.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are really thankful to Gov. Bill Lee for designating a portion of that funding for broadband,\u201d he said. \u201cNot every state did that, so we are thankful that Gov. Lee understands the importance of broadband.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gov. Lee has announced an additional $115 million for local governments to support COVID-19 response plus $150 million in available grant funds for COVID-19 recovery efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe CARES Act has given our state critical relief to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and begin to reopen Tennessee\u2019s economy,\u201d Gov. Lee said. \u201cWe must ensure that these funds are spent wisely and effectively\u201d<\/p>\n