Governor unveils pandemic relief funding plan

Gov. Bill Lee on Wednesday announced the plan for spending some $3.9 billion in federal pandemic relief funding provided to the state by the American Rescue Plan.

• Lee developed the plan with a group that included legislative leaders and administration officials.

Why it matters: The funding delivers a massive influx of cash for long-sought projects with statewide implications.

• More than $1.3 billion is already set aside for water infrastructure.
• $500 million is dedicated to improving broadband service.

By the numbers: Lee's plan also proposes funding several projects discussed with the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group he created last year to oversee COVID-related stimulus funds. A few items proposed under the plan:

• $200 million for the construction of a new state health laboratory, which would upgrade services and allow for added capacity during emergencies. The Tennessean reports the existing laboratory was built 60 years ago as a tuberculosis lab.
• $110 million to help hospitals increase staffing to handle surges in demand driven by COVID-19.
• $275 million for external grants for businesses, nonprofits and other organizations hit by the pandemic. Organizations can apply online for funding.
• $80 million to arts and culture nonprofits.

Yes, but: $494 million in federal funding for the state has yet to be allocated.

• Lee's plan says that money would be doled out as more requests from state agencies are vetted.

What's next: After a public comment period this month, the accountability group will meet again to consider changes or additions to the plan.