The money was approved to be given out last Wednesday. COVA will distribute the money as soon as the funds are sent from Community First Bank.
Families raised concerns about the length of time it's taking to distribute the $5.2 million raised by the Community First Foundation.
Ken Feinberg, a New York lawyer who has handled multi-million-dollar funds, will oversee the distribution of funds to victims' families.
An organization representing the newly identified victims released the following statement regarding the distribution of funds:
"We are happy our calls to Giving First prompted the foundation and COVA to give the first round of $5,000 to victims directly. It's so heartbreaking the numbers of physically injured have risen because it means more families are suffering. Because the need is so great, we have asked the Governor's office again to tap into existing federal, state and local funds to help alleviate medical and mental health costs. We've also asked the Governor's office to set up a separate and trusted vicitms' compensation fund similar to what has proven successful in directly helping the victims of 9/11 and Virginia Tech and to keep the fund open for a period of time so victims can benefit from continued donations. We appreciate the love and ongoing generosity from the people of Aurora and America."
(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)