Eastside cities to receive CARES Act funding to deal with COVID-19 pandemic

Recipients include North Bend, Snoqualmie, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Bothell, Kenmore, Carnation, Kirkland, Redmond and Issaquah.

Several Eastside cities will be receiving federal relief money soon to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly $300 million was awarded to local governments across the state as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The money will allow cities and counties to help fund services ranging from public health to small business support.

Funding is based on population, and several municipalities will receive a portion.

North Bend will be getting nearly $209,000 and Snoqualmie will receive about $410,000. Mercer Island will be given $734,100.

Other cities receiving funding include Bellevue with $4.36 million, Bothell at $1.4 million, Carnation at $66,600, Kirkland at $2.67 million, Redmond at $1.97 million and Issaquah at $1.13 million. Kenmore will be receiving nearly $700,000.

King County will be receiving about $260 million in funding.

Transit agencies in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties will also be receiving $538 million in CARES funding. However, much more would likely be needed to fully fund area transit agencies.

King County Metro alone is facing a nearly $400 million shortfall in revenue over the next three years because of the pandemic.

Additionally, the county general fund is facing a $79 million shortfall, and the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency program is similarly expected to see a $42 million reduction.