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The economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Congress to appropriate over $2 trillion in aid to individuals, businesses, and states.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which became law on March 27, provided $4 billion to North Carolina to help with the health crisis.

The legislation does not specify how the money is to be distributed within each state and does not require that it be parceled out to smaller communities.

“In North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper decided to send the funds to counties for disbursement for their municipalities,” U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC3) stated last month in a letter to Columbia Mayor James Cahoon. “Unfortunately, I am finding out that while some have done this equitably, others have not.”

Tyrrell County received $315,342 in CARES Act distribution last month after the board of commissioners had met. How that money will be used is expected to be on the county commissioners’ agenda for June 21.

Pasquotank County reportedly shared about half its CARES money with Elizabeth City while most counties have not yet allotted anything to the towns within their borders.