Bost Bill Provides Covid-19 Relief To Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today introduced legislation to expand access to emergency funding for rural areas. The Emergency Rural Community Relief Act would allow rural communities with fewer than 20,000 residents to utilize USDA Community Facility Program grants in times of emergency to operate community essential facilities, including the construction of temporary drive thru COVID-19 testing sites and personal protective equipment disposal locations.

“The COVID-19 shutdown has strained the resources of our rural communities in Southern Illinois,” said Bost. “By expanding access to critical federal funding, these communities will be able to continue providing necessary emergency services and establish additional COVID-19 testing centers to help keep residents safe and healthy.”

Currently, the Community Facility Program grants can only be used to construct essential facilities in rural communities. The Emergency Rural Community Relief Act allows the grants to be used for operational expenses as well.

More like this:

IDNR Awards Grants To 73 Volunteer Fire Departments Across Illinois

Jun 6, 2026

State Rep. Schmidt Co-Sponsored Law Aimed at Lowering Prescription Costs

Jun 25, 2026

State Rep. Kevin Schmidt Touts Efforts To Lower Rx Costs

Jun 27, 2026

First Electric Vehicle Charging Station In Illinois Built Through Federal Program Now Up And Running In Casey

3 days ago

Attorney General Raoul Files Lawsuit To Prevent Department Of Education’s Cuts To School Mental Health Grants

Jul 13, 2026