Cinnaminson Applying For $188K In Coronavirus Funding From NJ

CINNAMINSON, NJ — Cinnaminson will apply for $188,334 in coronavirus relief funding to cover necessary and unexpected expenses brought on by the pandemic, Township Administrator Eric Schubiger said this week.

Schubiger clarified at this week’s Township Committee meeting that although the funding is available to the township through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) for the Local Government Emergency Fund, the township must still apply for the funding.

It is part of $60 million that New Jersey counties and municipalities who were excluded from federal funding will receive. According to the resolution approved Monday night, $60 million is currently available, with the possibility of another $60 million being made available to the state through the program.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

If approved, Cinnaminson will be able to use the funding to pay for public safety and health-related expenses, coronavirus-related overtime, increased residential and health-related garbage collection and services, remote working technology, signage and information technology related to the coronavirus response and recovery, and public health-related retrofit expenses for reopening.

The Local Government Emergency Fund allocation formula uses a variety of relevant metrics, including the municipal COVID-19 infection rate, fiscal stress, the Municipal Revitalization Index (MRI), population, and public safety and health and human services expenditures share of the budget to determine the amount of funds counties and municipalities receive.

"Local governments have stepped up to meet the needs of their communities throughout this pandemic, and we are strengthening their efforts today with $60 million dollars in direct relief," Gov. Phil Murphy said previously. "We know these funds will be a welcome lifeline of support for essential government services and New Jersey's taxpayers."

According to the most recent data provided by the county, Cinnaminson has 312 cases of the coronavirus and 28 confirmed deaths.

Funds awarded may not be used for government revenue replacement, including the provision of assistance to meet tax obligations. Only expenses incurred between March 1, 2020, and Dec. 30, 2020, are covered by this funding.