Category: News

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.

Homelessness prevention grant open to Selinsgrove Borough residents

Homelessness prevention grant open to Selinsgrove Borough residents

Posted on by DNS Admin

Residents at risk of losing their housing in Selinsgrove Borough 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 $37,646 Selinsgrove Borough 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 Selinsgrove Borough residents, as allocated by Snyder County. The agency is managing the program on behalf of the Borough. 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, Selinsgrove Borough 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 Selinsgrove Borough, 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.

FIRST PUBLIC HEARING AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP NOTICE - UNION COUNTY

FIRST PUBLIC HEARING AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP NOTICE – UNION COUNTY

Posted on by DNS Admin

UNION COUNTY AND UNION COUNTY ON BEHALF OF
KELLY TOWNSHIP AND
LEWISBURG BOROUGH
FFY 2021
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
FIRST PUBLIC HEARING AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP NOTICE

The Union County Commissioners plan to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. For Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2021, the County’s estimated allocation is $224,000. The County will also include in its application CDBG funds estimated at $97,200 on behalf of Kelly Township and $99,900 on behalf of Lewisburg Borough.

A Public Hearing and Project Development Workshop will be held on May 12, 2021, at 6:00 PM. A public hearing pertaining specifically to Kelly Township will be held on May 4, 2021, at 6:00 PM and a public hearing pertaining specifically to Lewisburg Borough will be held on May 18, 2021 at 5:30 PM. Keeping with federal and state guidelines regarding COVID 19, all hearings will take place as a virtual video web and tele conference. The public is invited to observe and participate in the workshop and hearings as follows: To access via web video, type the link: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/8383951780. To access via telephone dial +1 470-869-2200 and enter Meeting ID: 838 395 1780. The hearings will be recorded.

These hearings are accessible to individuals with disabilities and persons with Limited English Proficiency. If you wish to attend and have a disability or Limited English Proficiency and require special accommodations, please notify the CDBG Administrator, Mitzi Gallagher-Long at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled hearing at 570-524-4491 or 1-800-332-6701, TTY: 1-800-654-5984, TDD: 1-800-654-5988 or mgallagherlong@seda-cog.org to make such arrangements.

Proposed project activities must meet one or more of three objectives: benefit low- and moderate-income persons; prevent or eliminate slums or blight; and/or alleviate immediate threats to the health and safety of the community. The Union County Commissioners will commit not less than 70% of the total funds, after administration costs, to projects which principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons (LMI). Housing, community and economic development activities are eligible; examples include housing rehab, demolition or improvement of blighted property and public works projects. A list of eligible activities can be found in Section 105(s) of the Housing and Community Development Act (P.L. 93-383) as amended.

The purpose of the Public Hearings and Project Development Workshop is to discuss the CDBG Program, receive public input on proposed activities and/or proposals for new activities. Union County, Kelly Township and Lewisburg Borough, also wish to receive public comment on potential environmental impacts, the previous use of CDBG funds, and the Three-Year Community Development Plans. All interested parties that are unable to attend may present written comments and project ideas in advance of the scheduled hearing to Mitzi Gallagher-Long at 570-524-4491 or mgallagherlong@seda-cog.org. Interested applicants should contact the Union County Commissioners, as soon as possible for funding consideration, but in no case later than May 28, 2021. Activities for Kelly Township and Lewisburg Borough should be addressed to those respective municipalities at or before the first hearing, dates and times as listed above. Grant application submission deadline is anticipated to be October of 2021, which is subject to change.

No displacement is anticipated and every effort will be made to avoid or minimize displacement and relocation. Should displacement be required, the applicant is responsible for replacing all low- and moderate-income housing units that are demolished or converted. At this hearing, Union County will disclose the types and levels of assistance that it would make available if persons were to be displaced by CDBG-funded activities.

Union County does not discriminate in access to, participation in, or treatment or employment in its federally funded programs or services. In the event the public believes that discrimination, denied accessibility, or denied equal opportunity has occurred, Union County’s Section 504 officer, Sue Greene, may be reached at 570-524-8634 or sgreene@unionco.org.

Technical assistance will be provided upon request to any groups or persons, especially LMI persons or their representatives, when developing proposals intending to use CDBG funds. The Union County Commissioners will strive to make all programs and activities accessible to the learning, mobility, vision, hearing, and language-impaired persons. If you have a disability or limited English proficiency and require an auxiliary aid or accommodations, please contact Rachel Radel at SEDA-COG, 1-800-332-6701, 1-800-654-5984 TTY, 1-800-654-5988 TDD to discuss your needs. Translators will be available upon request.

Any complaints should be written and submitted to Mitzi Gallagher-Long at SEDA-COG, 570-524-4491 or 1-800-332-6701, TTY: 1-800-654-5984, TDD: 1-800-654-5988 or mgallagherlong@seda-corg.org. Written responses will be addressed within 15 working days when practicable.

Übersetzer sind für die öffentliche Sitzung auf Anfrage erhältlich.

Traductores estarán disponibles en las reunions públicas por petición.