DOTHAN, Ala. – Houston County and its 12 municipalities will receive almost $36 million in stimulus funds. The first half should arrive by May.
“This money will have far less strings than the prior (stimulus) money we received last year,” Houston County Chairman Mark Culver told WTVY.
Besides COVID related expenses, Culver is wishful the money can also be spent on infrastructure projects. One he would like to see is an improved water distribution system in the southern part of the county.
Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba said he is also excited about the stimulus and hopes some of the city’s money will improve quality of life. He specifically mentions continued downtown enhancement and the arts.
Both Culver and Saliba stress it will be a few weeks before spending guidance is received from the federal government. Until then, they can only speculate about possible allowable uses of the stimulus funds.
The money, that must be spent by 2024, is part of President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan that includes $350 billion for state and local governments.
Here is the breakdown on the $35.8 million allocated to Houston County and its municipalities:
Dothan $12,530,000
Ashford 400,000
Avon 90,000
Cowarts 390,000
Gordon 60,000
Cottonwood 230,000
Madrid 80,000
Rehobeth 310,000
Taylor 450,000
