Grand Canyon Times

State Rep. Walter Blackman (R-Snowflake) said he's "extremely pleased" with how much money will be given to local governments in Arizona who didn't get direct federal funding earlier this year. 

The plan put forth by Gov. Doug Ducey's Office would distribute a total of $441 million to local cities, towns and counties for COVID-19 relief efforts. It included $688,265 in allocated dollars from the AZ Cares Act for Snowflake, the town Blackman lives in. 

"I am making sure we are not left out of any additional relief funding coming from the federal government," Blackman said. "At times it seems like rural Arizona and smaller communities are left out of the process."

Ducey also launched the Arizona Express Pay Program, which expedites the process for applying and receiving financial help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Local governments, tribal communities, state agencies, nonprofit hospitals, nursing homes, fire districts and school districts all qualify for the express program which is aimed at getting them the money they need faster. 

Blackman, a 21-year retired Army veteran, is up for re-election for a second term representing District 6 in the Arizona House of Representatives after winning the Republican primary last month. His district borders the Navajo Nation, which he said has taken the "biggest hit" during the pandemic.

"The Nation will often times get relief directly from the federal government however, many times those rural communities get left out. I will not let that happen," he said.

Blackman said moving forward in combating the coronavirus, he'd like to see tests pinpoint those who may need to be treated for the virus.

"Results also should be traced to those who have been in contact with other individuals to help prevent the transmission of the disease further," he said. "This can assist epidemiologists in determining how widely the virus has spread."