Submitted by RANDY’L TETON
Tribal Public Affairs
FORT HALL — The Fort Hall Business Council approved a resolution July 28, 2020 to do a one-time CARES Act general financial assistance payment in the amount of $800 to adult and minor Shoshone-Bannock tribal members that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funds are from the $21.2 million the Tribes received from the U.S. Treasury Department under the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act for fiscal relief because of the coronavirus pandemic.
An application is required to receive the assistance because of federal reporting requirements.
FHBC treasurer Donna Thompson said they’re working as quickly as possible to get the distribution out to the tribal membership. Details regarding the application and date of distribution is still being determined according to the Public Affairs office.
The resolution reads all tribal ordinances, procurement policies and procedures will be adhered to throughout the implementation of achieving tribal priorities and use of federal grant funding.
The following programs and initial funding allocations listed are necessary expenditures that have been approved because of the public health emergency: CARES Act financial assistance $6.35 million; CARES Act Utility and Transportation Assistance program $1.05 million; CARES Act Housing Assistance Program $1.47 million; CARES Act Distance Work and Learning Program $2.02 million; CARES Act COVID-19 Prevention Program $2.43 million; CARES Act Social Services and Recreation Program $300,000 and CARES Act Special Projects Program $407,795.