FREEMAN, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota legislature set aside $115 million of federal CARES Act funding for community-based healthcare providers. The application process opened this week and Nick Brandner, the administrator for Freeman Regional Health Services, says they are on a quick learning curve.

The deadline to spend the money is the end of the year. Brandner says that puts pressure on everyone.

Brandner says they plan to work through the process to see how much they may qualify for.

The guidelines from the state say the grant will be based on the percentage of reduction in business and there is no maximum limit on the amount.