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The City of Winchester will have access to some of the $8 million in CARES reimbursements issues to 18 Central Kentucky local governments.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced the reimbursements this week.

“Our local governments have been lifelines in our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why this funding is so important,” Beshear said. “We are grateful for their hard work and dedication to keeping Kentuckians safe.”

The City of Winchester will use $386,342 for personal protective equipment, sanitizer and payroll for police officers, EMS workers and firefighters.

“I write to express my sincere appreciation to the federal government and the Commonwealth of Kentucky for providing CARES funding during this extreme and unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic,” Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner said. “The City of Winchester will use the CARES funds to cover costs associated with public safety expenses and first responder costs. These funds are critical as we continue to deliver first-rate services to our citizens.”