How Brockton Will Use Federal CARES Act Funding

BROCKTON, MA — Mayor Robert F. Sullivan and Brockton's Chief Financial Officer Troy Clarkson met to discuss how Federal CARES Act funding is being used in the city on Thursday's episode of Our Brockton.

Clarkson said Plymouth County received approximately $90 million from the CARES Act, with $18 million of that money allocated for Brockton, the only city in the county.

"$18 million is real money for the City of Brockton," said Sullivan. "It's going to keep our community moving forward and being safe."

The funding has gone towards overtime for Brockton first responders, Personal Protective Equipment for those who are exposed to the virus, safety equipment such as emergency vehicles and air filters for city departments, and laptops for every child at Brockton Public Schools.

"We feel confident that we will meet that $18 million cap, but we are also making sure that they money we spend is on things that will have a lasting impact for the city," said Clarkson.

Brockton also recently received a $98 million bond authorization, approved unanimously by the city council, for a new public safety facility to house the police and fire departments. Clarkson said the funding for the building will come directly from the city's current budget through cost containment and have no tax ramifications.

"We have to be responsive to the ability of our citizens to support projects like this," said Clarkson.