Governor launches coronavirus economic relief program

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Friday announced the launch of a program to send up to $580 million in federal coronavirus aid to small businesses, health care providers and non-profit organizations.

The Legislature earlier this week offered its support to the plan to spend much of the $1.25 billion the state received to address the coronavirus crisis and the economic fallout.

Under the plan, small businesses impacted by the pandemic will be able to apply for grants from a pool of $400 million. Another $115 million will go to health care programs that provide services through Medicaid and other state or federal funding. The remaining $65 million will be divided between grants for start-up businesses, hospitals that provide acute medical care and small non-profit organizations.

“These folks are the lifeblood of our communities and economy, and it’s our turn to give back to them,” Noem said in a statement.

The organizations and businesses will have 10 days to apply for the grants, starting on 0ct. 13.