Armstrong County announced it expects to distribute about $733,000 in grants to county restaurants for relief from pandemic losses under the new state covid-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program.

The program recently announced by Gov. Tom Wolf includes $145 million in funding to the state’s 67 counties, based on population, to help the hospitality industry that has suffered losses and hemorrhaged jobs during the pandemic. State Sen. Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, was a prime sponsor of the legislation, which passed in the Senate on Jan. 27.

“Every week you get nervous. You hope you are going to make your bills,” said Pat Mersky, who co-owns Lucy’s Riverside Cafe with her husband, Dan Mersky, at 512 High St. in Freeport. “These grants are really important.”

Known for their Thai Noodle salad, paninis, fresh quiche and lobster rolls on holidays, the Merskys’ little restaurant that serves up breakfast and lunch now exists mostly on takeout.

Mersky already called Armstrong County to get on the list to receive the grant application. She plans to apply, but is not sure what she will qualify for until grant details are released.

Mersky knows she needs the money, as she and her husband have been dipping to personal savings to stay afloat, she said.

Armstrong County issued an announcement Monday alerting restaurants to the grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Applications and details will be available by March 15.

In the meantime, the county is creating a list of restaurants to receive applications as soon as they are available, said Justin R. Nolder, business manager at the Armstrong County Department of Economic Development.

Applications from eligible businesses within the county will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the county’s funds are exhausted or June 15, whichever occurs first, Nolder said.

Eligible applicants must have fewer than 300 full-time equivalent employees, a maximum net worth not exceeding $15 million, and have been in operation on Feb. 15, 2020, with plans to remain open within one year of the date of application.

For further information, businesses can contact Armstrong County by email at CHIRP@co.armstrong.pa.us or call the Armstrong County Department of Economic Development at 724-548-1500.

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