Here's how LA County will likely benefit from $2.2 trillion coronavirus disaster bill

Mar. 27--Local officials vow that the $2.2 trillion federal disaster aid bill that's expected to be signed by the president on Friday, March 27 will have a robust impact in L.A. County, where the coronavirus virus continues to take lives and wreak economic havoc.

It couldn't come soon enough for L.A. County, where on Thursday, the toll continued it exponential climb: 21 deaths, 1,230 cases. And economically, most of the region's businesses remained shut down, and their staffs out of work, wondering if they can pay the rent as the first of the month nears.

The bill -- the largest of its kind in American history -- was poised to speed help to individuals and businesses.

The House of Representatives was set to pass the sprawling measure Friday morning after an extraordinary 96-0 Senate vote late Wednesday. President Donald Trump marveled at the unanimity Thursday and was eager to sign the package into law.

The impact of the massive package was still being assessed by county officials on Thursday. But they knew where some of the money could be going for the region. Beneficiary programs could include:

Officials said of particular note was funding available for Community Development Block Grants and Emergency Solutions Grants -- both critical forms of funding that local officials can leverage for affordable housing, anti-poverty programs and infrastructure development.

LAPD officers patrol the Metro Red Line subway at Union Station in downtown LA Thursday, March 26, 2020. As part of the city's "Safer at Home" program, all venues and dine-in restaurants and unnecessary businesses have been closed leaving very few commuters or travelers. For most people, the new coronavirus (COVID-19) causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some, it can cause more severe illness.(Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)For L.A. County, $32 million is expected to be available for CDBGs and $13.2 million will feed to the ESGs, which aim to aid the homeless.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti this week said funding was critical, as he outlined big numbers to support the area's major transit hubs, as well as funding that was coming to residents via the bill:

-- $400 million to bolster the area's airports

-- $700 million to Metro for the region's transit systems

-- Tens of millions in community development block grants that include aid for the unemployed

-- $32 million for homeless aid grants

-- $1,200 per adult

-- and $500 per child

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, said the bill provides direct relief for individuals and families hurting economically, help for healthcare workers and hospitals on the front lines, relief for small businesses and assistance to the states most affected.

Schiff added that the bill covers the millions of Americans who work as contractors, in the gig economy and in a variety of other employment streams -- including the entertainment industry, a big employment base in the region, which has all but shut down amid the pandemic.

"This bill is not perfect, but thanks to the advocacy of House and Senate Democrats, it is a bill that prioritizes American workers and families and is of the scale this crisis demands," Schiff said in a statement. "We must pass it as soon as possible so we can begin to get Americans the help they need, while staying clear-eyed that more will be needed."

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, chairwoman of the county board, echoed Schiff: "The stimulus package adopted last night will greatly assist Los Angeles County as we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19 and prepare for long term recovery throughout the region. The package included critical funding that will support immediate health and safety concerns, and will provide resources to ensure the public social safety net remains intact. We look forward to our continued collaboration with all of partners at the federal and state level to meet the needs of our residents and local communities."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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