Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer last week released $9 million of federal stimulus funds to community college districts, with another $20 million to come when the governing boards vote to accept the money.
“These funds will allow the state’s community colleges to limit tuition increases, prevent personnel reductions, and create jobs,” Brewer said.
The $9 million will be divided among Yavapai, Pima, Graham, Mohave, and Cochise community college districts, with the Pima County district to receive $4.5 million.
The stimulus funds were allocated to each district to restore cuts to their capital funds, based upon their level of state operating aid.
The districts can use the funds for any operating expenditure authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Most of the funds will be allocated by the districts to faculty salaries and benefits.
Once their boards agree to accept stimulus money, the state plans to distribute $15 million to the Maricopa County Community College District, and amounts ranging from $1.3 million to $175,353 to five other districts.
The stimulus dollars being allocated are part of the state fiscal stabilization fund, which can be used at the governor’s discretion.
Another allocation for community colleges is expected in late November.
