On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into Public Law 116-136 to respond to the growing effects of COVID-19. The CARES Act made available $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds. Of this amount, HUD is allocating $2 billion based on the fiscal year 2019-2020 CDBG formula and made the first allocation of funds; the City of Monterey’s allocation is $152,845.
The allocation of the $152,845 will be used for a emergency housing assistance program to help residents of Monterey who are being affected by COVID-19.
The HUD Secretary is authorized to grant waivers and alternative requirements of statutes and regulations in connection with the use of CDBG-CV funds and fiscal year 2019 and 2020 CDBG funds (except for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and environment). Waivers and alternative requirements can be granted when necessary to expedite and facilitate the use of funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. Moreover, the Citizen Participation Plan will be amended so that the public comment period is reduced to not less than 5 days, and virtual public hearings may be used when necessary for public health reasons. Also, the public service cap is suspended during the emergency, and state and local government may reimburse costs of eligible activities incurred for pandemic response regardless of the date.
Draft Substantial Amendment to the 2019-20 CDBG Annual Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan