The state Division of Marine Fisheries is looking for input on a spending plan for $4.5 million in COVID-19-related federal relief.
The draft spending plan proposes dispersing funds through direct payments to eligible commercial fishermen and marine aquaculture operators, seafood dealers and processors, and for-hire fishing operators who can document a greater than 35% revenue loss compared to the previous five-year average due to COVID-19.
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Congress approved the funds in the 2021Â Consolidated Appropriations Act. The spending plan must be approved by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries in order for the state to receive the funding.
The public can submit written comments through an online form or mail to Draft CARES Act II Fisheries Relief Spending Plan Comments, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557. The division will not accept comments by email.
Comments should be posted online or postmarked by 5 p.m. June 20.
The Division of Marine Fisheries said it will announce an application period once the spending plan is approved. Email covid19relief@ncdenr.gov for questions.
