Category: COVID-19

SEDA-COG offers American Rescue Plan revenue loss calculation assistance to local municipalities

SEDA-COG offers American Rescue Plan revenue loss calculation assistance to local municipalities

Posted on by DNS Admin

In early March 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law. As part of the Act, local counties and municipalities received stimulus funding. Immediately after the interim rule governing the regulations of ARPA were released, SEDA-COG staff became students of the applicable federal requirements to assist local governments and ensure the funds are administered in compliance with regulation. One of the immediate needs for many ARPA recipients is to calculate the revenue loss realized during the pandemic. SEDA-COG is pleased to offer revenue loss calculation services to our region.

According to Kim Wheeler, SEDA-COG’s executive director, “As Central PA’s regional community and economic development agency, it is our normal job to work with both the federal and state governments to bring the needed financial, human, and technical resources to the 295 communities of our region. But in moments of crisis, whether it is a natural disaster or public health crisis such as a pandemic, we exist and stand ready to serve as a support system for those in need in our 11-county region. It’s in our mission to be an extension of services for our counties and municipalities. Therefore, it was a natural role for SEDA-COG staff to immerse themselves into the legislation so that we can provide technical assistance, including determining how we can calculate the revenue loss for our municipalities,” stated Wheeler.

If municipalities and counties are seeking assistance they should contact, Kristen Moyer, SEDA-COG’s community relations director, at kmoyer@seda-cog.org or 570-522-7212.

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.

Centre County Commissioners provide a new grant for Centre County small businesses

Centre County Commissioners provide a new grant for Centre County small businesses

Posted on by DNS Admin

A new COVID Relief Grant for eligible Centre County small businesses will open on July 20, 2021. The Centre County Commissioners have allocated $3,000,000 of American Rescue Plan funding for a small business grant program. The small business grant program funding will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. The Centre County Commissioners expect the first checks to be mailed to small businesses in August.

Centre County Commissioner Michael Pipe said, “The Commissioners are urging businesses to apply as soon as possible. We have allocated additional funds to help Centre County businesses get back in full operation after the disastrous effects of the pandemic.”

SEDA-COG will be assisting the Centre County Commissioners by receiving and reviewing the applications. Businesses can apply at SEDA-COG’s website starting July 20, 2021, until the funds are exhausted. A full listing of requirements can be found on the website. If a business has filed their 2019 and 2020 federal business taxes, the grant application can be completed quickly.

Kim Wheeler, SEDA-COG’s executive director said, “We know that small businesses are the backbone of the local economy, yet they’ve been negatively affected by the pandemic. That’s why we are so pleased to be helping the Centre County Commissioners collect and review applications to help these small businesses.” Grant amounts are in $2,000 increments up to a maximum of $20,000 and the funds will assist businesses in covering the business’ operating expenses incurred in 2021. Operating expenses include, but are not limited to payroll, rent, mortgage, utilities, costs of goods, supplies, raw materials, etc.

Eligibility includes, but is not limited to, being in Centre County, having fewer than 500 full-time employees, must be in business at the time of application, and plan to stay in business until at least December 31, 2021.

The grant program was created from American Rescue Plan funding through the U.S. Department of Treasury.

For more information, contact SEDA-COG Grants Manager Betsy Lockwood at 570-522-7265 or elockwood@seda-cog.org.

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.

Third phase opens for COVID relief grants for hospitality businesses

Third phase opens for COVID relief grants for hospitality businesses

Posted on by DNS Admin

The third phase of a COVID-19 relief grant is now open for eligible hospitality industry businesses through SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) in these counties: Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder.

Following are the remaining Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) funds per county, totaling $1.8 million:

  • Clinton: $179,160
  • Columbia: $211,286
  • Juniata: $214,115
  • Mifflin: $273,836
  • Montour: $33,760
  • Northumberland: $671,441
  • Snyder: $264,548

The grants have been entirely allocated in Centre, Lycoming, and Union counties, so the grant program for those counties is closed.

Following are the total grants and number of businesses awarded in the closed counties:

  • Centre: A total of $1,809,992 to 86 businesses
  • Lycoming: A total of $1,264,226 to 56 businesses
  • Union: A total of $502,354 to 19 businesses

For-profit hospitality businesses in the remaining open counties can apply until funds are spent or June 15 at the Community Giving Foundation’s website at https://csgiving.org/chirp/. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 to help alleviate 2020 revenue losses and pay for eligible operating expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SEDA-COG Executive Director Kim Wheeler is urging hospitality businesses in the open counties to apply as soon as possible.

“These funds can go very quickly, so the grants may be gone before the June 15 deadline,” Wheeler said. “The grants are a direct lifeline to struggling hospitality businesses in our region, so please apply. If you have any questions, we are here to help.”

Those with questions may contact SEDA-COG Grants Manager Betsy Lockwood at 570-522-7265 or elockwood@seda-cog.org.

Eligible hospitality industry businesses must be for-profit businesses which include hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants, bars, taverns, catering companies, and food trucks. These businesses must fall within eligible industry codes which include the Accommodations subsector NAICS code (721) or Food Services and Drinking Places subsector (722) found here: https://www.naics.com/search/

Eligibility includes, but is not limited to, having fewer than 300 full-time employees; a net worth that does not exceed $15 million; a 25% reduction in gross receipts in 2020 compared to 2019; and be located within Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, or Snyder counties.

Priority will be given to businesses that did not already receive COVID relief funds; that were subject to closure following the disaster emergency declared by Gov. Tom Wolf on March 6, 2020; or had more than a 50% reduction in gross receipts from March 31, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020 compared to the same time period in 2019. For a full listing of eligibility requirements and prioritization guidelines, visit www.csgiving.org/chirp

SEDA-COG contracted with 10 of its member counties to manage a total of $7.3 million in grants on their behalf. SEDA-COG receives the applications and determines eligibility and grant amounts. SEDA-COG also disburses the funds to awarded businesses.

The grant program was created from the law Act 1 of 2021, which was passed Feb. 5, 2021. Statewide, it provides $145 million in funding assistance to the hospitality industry businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

Homelessness prevention grant open to Penn Township residents

Homelessness prevention grant open to Penn Township residents

Posted on by DNS Admin

Residents at risk of losing their housing in Penn Township may be eligible to receive assistance to prevent homelessness.

The Resident Subsistence Program is being offered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support hard-hit residents and is funded with a $19,742 Penn Township entitlement Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV).

The grants can be used to pay rent or mortgage payments to prevent eviction or foreclosure and utility payments to prevent cutoff.

Applications are now being accepted. While there is no deadline to apply, the program is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and ends when the funds are spent.

Each eligible family may receive funding for up to three consecutive months of assistance, paid directly to the mortgage holder, landlord, or utility company on their behalf. Funds will not be given directly to families. Assistance is available for up to 100 days per family.

Applicants must be at risk of losing their housing and must provide documentation of it. Assistance can be made to families whose income is at or below the HOME/PART 5 income limits for Snyder County at the time of application. Applicants must complete an income verification interview to qualify for this program.

The Union-Snyder Community Action Agency will provide the grants to Penn Township residents, as allocated by Snyder County. The agency is managing the program on behalf of the county. SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is administering the CDBG funds and ensuring compliance.

For more information or to set up an appointment to apply, Penn Township residents may contact the Union-Snyder Community Action Agency by visiting union-snydercaa.org/housing-assistance to download and print an application or call 570-374-0181 option 3.

For Snyder County residents outside of Penn Township, the Union-Snyder Community Action Agency may be able to help them through their Emergency Rental Assistance program which assists with rent, utilities, or home energy expenses, as well as housing programs. 

SEDA-COG’s Community Development program administers 14 CDBG contracts for 28 communities. Over 35 years, the program has secured $120 billion for over 1,000 projects with its 12 dedicated staff.

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.