Council unanimously approves $350,000 in emergency funding for personal protective equipment and face coverings

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 04/21/2020 03:06 PM EDT

Council unanimously approves $350,000
in emergency funding for personal protective
equipment and face coverings
Councilmembers Hans Riemer and Gabe Albornoz spearheaded the funding

ROCKVILLE, Md., April 21, 2020— Today the Montgomery County Council unanimously passed two separate supplemental appropriations totaling $350,000 to purchase or manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings, as part of the efforts of the Council and the County to protect public health and safety during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first supplemental appropriation is for $250,000 to purchase face coverings and other PPE. This special appropriation is needed so that the County government can purchase and distribute washable, reusable face coverings and potentially other PPE to the general public, and to supplement the County’s ongoing efforts to provide PPE to nonprofit service providers (including MCPS meal providers and families), medically vulnerable residents and those in senior living or nursing facilities, child care providers, residents in affordable housing communities, senior residents, and transit riders.

The second supplemental appropriation is for $100,000 to support the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation’s (MCEDC) creation of the new Local Production Fund, which will provide small- and medium-sized manufacturers/producers with the working capital grants necessary to make and provide Covid-19-related items. The Local Production Fund will build the capacity of small- and medium-sized manufacturers/producers who can address supply shortages immediately, while simultaneously positioning these businesses for recovery and growth after the pandemic. MCEDC will match the appropriation with $100,000 from their budget.

The Council staff reports on these special appropriations can be viewed here and here.

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