City announces new COVID-19 relief programs

As discussed over several Economic Development Committee meetings, the City and Borough of Wrangell announced last Tuesday morning changes to existing COVID-19 relief programs, as well as a new program available to the public. As part of their response to the pandemic, the city has put together a variety of grant opportunities and other assistance programs to help businesses and community members get through these tough times. In a previous interview with the Wrangell Sentinel, Economic Development Director Carol Rushmore said the planned changes to the relief programs were meant to expand their availability, to help more people,

"The City has designated up to $915,000 of the CARES Act funds received from the State to assistance programs which are intended to provide economic relief in the areas of most need," reads a Sept. 22 press release from the city. "Each program will require a separate application be completed by each business, non-profit or resident."

The new program is for general household economic relief. According to the city's press release, this program will offer up to $500 to households experiencing economic hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible households, persons, or businesses should have seen a decrease in disposable income, and/or an increase in expenses, to the point it is difficult or impossible to make ends meet. This program, as well as the other programs that have been extended, is available until Nov. 1.

Other existing programs have been extended or otherwise modified, as well. Food assistance and social service assistance programs have been opened up for a second round of funding, each one offering up to $3,000 to businesses or nonprofits seeking to provide meals or social services to those in need.

Businesses and nonprofits can also apply for accounting or professional services support. This is up to $200 reimbursement to help eligible entities in need of services to apply for federal or state relief programs, or to provide necessary reporting documents.

Another modified program is for general small business, commercial fishermen, and deckhand emergency relief. Eligible businesses and fishermen that have been impacted by COVID-19 can apply for $2,000. This program was modified to make deckhands and crew members eligible to apply, as well.

The city is also offering assistance for vessel repair haul-outs. This program provides 50 percent reimbursement to a vessel owner for the cost of a lift fee in The Marine Service Center. This program is available through Nov. 30 or until funding has run out.

One program is no longer available. An assistance program for vessel repair extended stays has been closed. The goal of this program, according to the press release, was to help cover the cost of boat storage fees if a vessel owner was required to stay in the boat yard's work zone five days or longer due to COVID-19 impacts.

"All programs are being offered on a first come, first served basis on receipt of a completed application until funding runs out for the programs," the press release reads. "There is no guarantee of funding availability through the November 1, 2020 deadline."

More information about the grant opportunities can be found at http://www.wrangellcovid19.org.