DOVER, NJ — Thomas “T.C.” McCourt, Democratic candidate for Morris County Commissioner, released the following statement after the allocations of American Rescue Plan Act funding were announced by Senators Booker and Menendez:

“This morning, Senators Booker and Menendez announced the breakdown of the $10.2 billion in state & local COVID relief coming to New Jersey’s counties and municipalities.

Morris County will receive $95,390,000 in direct, flexible funding that “can be used to pay COVID-related expenses; cover lost revenues due to the pandemic to maintain critical services and avoid layoffs of essential workers; provide additional assistance to residents and small businesses; and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.”

$95,390,000 is nearly 30% of Morris County’s 2021 budget. This is a massive amount of money that can, if spent properly, provide a much-needed lifeline for Morris County families. Therefore, I am calling on the Board of County Commissioners to immediately schedule public hearings, so that Morris County residents and organizations can offer input on how this money should be spent.

This amount of funding can truly make a difference, provided that the County Commissioners exercise the right priorities in allocating it. We have an amazing and unforeseen opportunity to be bold and provide the necessary assistance to our residents and small businesses. This is an opportunity we can’t afford to waste.”