$7.8 Million Grant

 Since the 47.8 million grant to Carbonale is supposed to mitigate the effect of  COVID-19's econodmic effects, how about using the money to send out a $700 check to each household in Carbondale? According to the Census there are about 10,400 households in Carbonale so by my math, that would mean roughly $700 for each household.  That way, no worrying about which organizations get the funds. Give the money to residents and let them pump it into the city's economy.

However, if the city does want to pass out funds to organzaitons that got hit hard by the epidemic, I would recommend the Varsity Theater:  central to the community, privately funded, shut down for a year and could really use the money forgone over the past year.

I see Southeast Missouri State is doing something similar with the grants they have received for their students  From the email:

As you may know, the American Rescue Plan (ARP), a federal stimulus package responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, was signed into law on March 11, 2021. A portion of the ARP provides funding to support students at institutions of higher education in covering unexpected expenses due to COVID-19. Southeast received $10.4 million in HEERF III funds to distribute directly to students. This amount is based on a formula in the ARP and funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Education.

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 22, funds will be distributed to students, with the exception of dual credit and pre-college, using an institutional formula that takes into account need and enrollment intensity (number of credit hours) as of Sept. 1, 2021. The formula ensures as many students as possible benefit from HEERF III. To view more details about this and other COVID-19 relief funding, visit semo.edu/sfs/heerf.

You do not need to do anything to receive these funds. However, a couple of notes:

• To ensure you receive your funds quickly, make sure you have signed up for direct deposit. You will need to sign-up for direct deposit by Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. to receive your funds in this manner. Click here if you need instructions. Please note that once distribution begins, it can take 2-3 days for the funds to show up in your account.
• If you are not set-up for direct deposit, Student Financial Services will mail a check to the permanent residence address on file for you.
• International students, we encourage you to sign up for direct deposit otherwise a check may be mailed to the permanent address in your home country.
• HEERF III funds are not like other refunds or financial aid. Funds will not be applied to any outstanding charges on your account.

It is my sincere hope that this aid will help ease some of the stress, burdens, and other challenges many of you have faced during the pandemic.