The application window is open for Northumberland County businesses, organizations, and municipalities to apply to receive part of an $8.2 million grant the county received to assist them with COVID-19 expenses.
The deadline to apply to the county is Aug. 24. The funds do not have to be repaid.
The COVID-19 County Relief Block Grant (CRBG) funds must be for the prevention, preparedness, and response to the COVID-19 crisis. Funds must be used to assist municipalities, small business grants, and nonprofits to pay for any COVID-related cost they have incurred. The grant is from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act (CARES Act), through the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is assisting the county by providing professional expertise and grant administrative services, as well as activity development and management to ensure accuracy and adherence with federal and state regulations.
County Commissioner Samuel J. Schiccatano said this initial assessment will help establish the need throughout the county and described the information they’re seeking.
“The county is requesting information on any COVID-related expenses that your municipality or organization has spent since March 1, 2020 or anticipates spending by Dec. 30, 2020. The county also is seeking information on any expense or projected expense in your budgets that stems from the COVID-19 crisis. The CRBG funds may be able to assist in recouping these financial hardships, but first we must be able to quantify these expenses,” Schiccatano said.
He said that while they will do their best to meet the eligible needs submitted, sufficient funds may not be available for every need.
To submit information by Aug. 24, visit www.norrycopa.net/index.php/planning/ and complete the CARES Act Needs Assessment form. Send the completed form to Justin Skavery, county planning coordinator, at justin.skavery@norrycopa.net or 399 Stadium Drive, Sunbury, PA 17801.
For more information, contact Skavery at the above email address or 570-988-4220 or Geralee Zeigler of SEDA-COG at gzeigler@seda-cog.org or 570-524-4491 ext. 7218.
As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.