Council Approves $350K In Emergency Funding For PPE: Coronavirus

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County lawmakers on Tuesday agreed to draw $350,000 from cash reserves to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for residents and to support businesses that can immediately address supply shortages.

Of that total, $250,000 will go toward buying reusable face coverings and other PPE for residents, nonprofit service workers, child care providers, and transit riders during the coronavirus pandemic.

The second supplemental appropriation is for $100,000. Officials say it will support the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation's (MCEDC) creation of the new Local Production Fund — which will provide small- and medium-sized manufacturers and producers with working capital grants to make coronavirus-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," county officials said in a statement.

Councilmembers Hans Riemer and Gabe Albornoz spearheaded the funding. The Democrats say these supplemental appropriations will put PPE in the hands of those who need it, and will incentivize businesses to retrofit production lines to address any supply shortages.

SEE ALSO:

• Additional $5M Approved For Restaurant, Retail Coronavirus Relief
• $2M Housing Stability Fund Being Considered In Montgomery County
  
• 'I'm Worried:' Business Owners Apply For Grants To Stay Afloat
  
• Chevy Chase Man, 89, Sews Coronavirus Face Masks For Hospital
  
• Gaithersburg Couple 3D Prints Face Shields For Hospitals

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