SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls could be eligible for up to $41.5 million from the state for coronavirus related expenses.
Gov. Kristi Noem made the announcement this morning at a news conference at City Hall.
Minnehaha County is eligible for $13 million.
Lincoln County is eligible for $4 million.
Noem is making $200 million available to cities and counties.
The money comes from the $1.25 billion dollars the federal government gave South Dakota for the COVID-19 response.
Both Mayor Paul TenHaken and Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead say it is likely the city and county won’t receive the allocated amounts. That’s because they have carefully tracked coronavirus related expenses and don’t want–or expect–a windfall of money from the state.
Noem also says while South Dakota’s coronavirus numbers look good, the fight against the pandemic isn’t done.
“We can’t let people think that we’re still not dealing with the virus,” Noem said. “We will be dealing with this virus for many, many months to come.”
Noem says the state has the health care capacity to handle a spike.
However, she has concerns about the short and long term impact of the coronavirus on the economy and small businesses.
