Wolf administration to provide $4 million to communities struggling in pandemic

The state Department of Community and Economic Development has announced it is providing nearly $4 million in support to communities struggling during the covid-19 crisis.

The money is part of federal CARES Act funding. Included in the package is funding for four projects, two of them in Western Pennsylvania.

In the most recent block of funding approvals, more than $1.5 million is earmarked for Fayette County to install or expand broadband coverage to an area in the western half of the county. Much of the county’s workforce and students have struggled to work remotely during the pandemic due to the lack of availability of quality high-speed internet.

Another project will bring $612,500 to Greene County to create the Forgivable Advance for Small Business Assistance program, a program for Greene County businesses that can demonstrate job retention or creation for low- to middle-income workers.

In the county, over 1,300 businesses have been adversely impacted by covid-19, including 45 businesses that have announced plans to permanently lay off employees and close.

“More than ever before, Pennsylvania’s communities are facing incredible challenges as they work to protect their residents and businesses from the devastating impacts of covid-19,” said DCED Secretary Dennis Davin.

“The four projects receiving funding today will create new opportunities for their municipalities by providing critical funding, access to sought-after resources, and safe spaces for community use as we continue to mitigate this global pandemic,” said Davin.

DCED will release a second request for proposals to fund coronavirus response activities through the CARES Act in the new year.