ST PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday $47 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds are heading to Minnesota.
Gov. Walz said the money will mainly pay for more rapid COVID-19 tests, support childcare programs and provide hunger relief.
“The federal American Rescue Plan funds deliver relief to Americans by providing resources to fight this pandemic and build a stronger economy for generations to come,” said the governor in a press release. “Minnesotans continue to battle COVID-19 and the social, economic, and health care challenges it brings every day."
According to the press release, $2.5 million will go towards COVID-19 testing infrastructure, specifically for at-home rapid tests, which are geared towards individuals normally facing barriers to healthcare.
The governor's office said around 1.1 million rapid tests have already been given out to Minnesotans in school, childcare providers and state-run community testing sites.
The plan will also provide $20 million for Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity, according to the governor's office. Some of the locations include meal services and food pantries.
"The funding will be used to cover food purchases, food distribution costs, meal preparation, cleaning supplies, technology needs, outreach efforts, and training and technical assistance to assist in the response to Minnesota’s emergency food challenges caused by the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19 and rising food costs," the statement read, in part.
Another $20 million is going to alleviate the increased costs and staffing challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor's office said the childcare sector was vulnerable before the pandemic in Minnesota, and this money will go towards replacing lost revenue.
Childcare providers who were hurt during the pandemic can apply through the Minnesota Department of Human Services January Child Care Stabilization Base Grant application.
WATCH: American Rescue Plan funnels $2.8B into Minnesota, $271M into Minneapolis alone:
