State to allocate $10M in block grants for COVID-19 recovery

The state government is earmarking more than $10 million in federally funded Community Development Block Grants (CBDG) for COVID-19 recovery projects across the commonwealth, including some small business assistance funds, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday.

“Our administration remains committed to investing in rural communities during this unprecedented health crisis and as we work to rebuild Virginia’s economy,” Northam said in a statement. “This funding will go a long way to address the immediate needs of Virginia families and provide relief to small businesses, so they are better prepared for economic growth despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic.”

The following counties and cities will receive CDBG funding for small business relief funds:

• Alleghany County, Covington, Clifton Forge, Iron Gate: $1.6 million
• Amherst County: $550,000
• Brunswick County: $520,000
• Culpeper County and town of Culpeper: $850,000
• Halifax County and South Boston: $550,000
• LENOWISCO (Lee, Scott, Wise counties and the city of Norton): $1.7 million
• Mecklenburg County: $520,000
• Page County: $548,275
• Shenandoah County: $550,000
• York County, Poquoson and Williamsburg: $1.23 million

According to the governor’s office, Swissomation, an Amherst County business, has been contracted by General Motors to increase production of components for ventilators for very ill COVID-19 patients. Swissomation, which manufactures very small machine parts, will receive $569,650 in CDBG funding to help purchase special equipment to fill the order from General Motors.

Other CDBG awards, federally funded and administered by the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development, will assist housing and food programs. This year, more than $20.4 million has been distributed to communities across the state.

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