HARRISBURG – As part of a pandemic relief package unanimously passed by the General Assembly earlier this year, $145 million in grants is available through the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP), according to Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46).
All 67 counties in the Commonwealth have been awarded grants based on population. Then, the counties were tasked with administering the funding through one or more Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) or Community Economic Development Organization (CEDO), which began processing applications from businesses in March. Businesses will receive funding by July 15.
“Because of the pandemic and the Wolf administration’s ever-changing mitigation orders, people who work in the restaurant and hospitality industry have been struggling financially for more than a year. They have also faced skyrocketing inventory prices, and I heard about one gentleman whose prices on cases of chicken have tripled,” Bartolotta said. “Pennsylvania’s businesses deserve support, not additional challenges from their government especially during a pandemic.”
Locally, more than $2 million has been awarded to Washington County. Eligible businesses – including hotels, restaurants, bars and taverns – may apply for grants up to $25,000 through June 15. For more information or to apply online, please visit www.washcogrant.com.
There are more than 60 grantees in Beaver County who have or will collectively receive $1.8 million, and more than $410,000 has been awarded in Greene County. Funds have been exhausted in both Beaver and Greene.
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463