Hamilton Township will receive a large infusion of federal funding to help "stabilize and recover from the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic" Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) announced Friday. The Township will receive almost $398,638 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant “COVID-19 Recovery” program which was part of the bi-partisan $2 trillion federal stimulus package passed in late March.   

“Containing the virus and helping people and communities devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic is the paramount concern we face together—no matter the cost," said Smith.  "CARES was passed in part to expedite significant federal support to our communities, so they can anticipate the impacts of joblessness and assist people hit the hardest.

Also included in the stimulus packages were provision for residents to receive direct payments up to $1,200 for individuals earning less than $75,000 and $2,400 for couples earning less than $150,000, plus $500 per child and $10 million for forgivable loans to local small businesses to make payroll and cover mortgage interest, rent and utilities. 

Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin told TAPinto Hamilton/Robbinsville that his Administration is currently looking at options to utilize this funding. 

"We are thankful to the President and federal representatives for getting us this aid. We are in the process of figuring out the best way to put it to use in Hamilton Township," said Martin. 

Potential uses include supporting medical facilities treating patients with COVID-19 (coronavirus), establishing testing sites, or building the infrastructure to set up a field hospital, if needed.  Assistance also may be provided to private businesses and non-profit entities or increasing public services during the pandemic. 

“These federal coronavirus grants will boost local efforts to reduce homelessness due to financial distress, limit the spread of the virus among the homeless population and allow our local governments to enhance a range of other humanitarian assistance programs that will help address coronavirus impacts at the community level,” said Smith.

This story can be found at:
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/hamilton-slash-robbinsville/sections/government/articles/almost-400k-in-stimulus-dollars-heading-to-Hamilton