Illinois state officials are reminding local governments of a December 1 deadline to submit applications for federal relief from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor J-B Pritzker says he encourages communities -- no matter how small -- to take advantage of the Local CURE funds, which Congress approved in its COVID-19 relief package last spring.
"There are many, many local governments that've just not gone after the money. We've called them up directly in many cases to say, 'Do you want to apply? Can we help you apply?' And so on."
The money must be spent by December 30.
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity reports that it has initiated the process with the 1,400 eligible government entities, but many have yet to complete the required steps.