(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha has been awarded more than $470,000 in COVID-19 relief funds from the state through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act.

The Hiawatha City Commission voted Monday evening to accept the funding, and authorized Mayor Bill Collins to sign the terms and conditions.

50 percent of the funding will be distributed this year and the remaining 50 percent next year.

Under guidelines, the funds can be used to support public health expenditures, address negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic, replace lost public sector revenue, provide premium pay for essential workers and to invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

The funds must be used by the end of 2024.