$941K CARES Act Funding Spent

Public Hearing Aug. 28

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - Delaware County Supervisors have scheduled a public hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. regarding the closing of the Community Development Block Grant program.

Funding for the program came from the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security) Act program and is distributed by the New York State Office of Community Renewal (OCR). The block grant is designed to support businesses that suffered losses during the pandemic even after federal or state COVID-19 programs. The state allocated $127 million to the program. Approved uses include small business assistance, public facilities or infrastructure, housing improvements, and public services, according to the OCR website.

The county received $941,000 administered at the county level through the Economic Development Department. All funds have been allocated through matching grants ranging from $6,000 to $50,000. Roughly $52,000 was used for administrative costs and program delivery.

Awarded businesses are Frank Walker of Franklin, Orinoco Beef of East Meredith, R.A. Tait LLC of Grand Gorge, Brushland Eating House of Bovina Center, Beaver Mountain Log Homes of Hancock, Berry Brook Farm of Hamden, Bovina Center Montessori School of Bovina Center, Bovina Farm and Fermentory of Bovina Center, Fitness by Raegan of Delhi, KLD of Stamford, LoveLion of Delhi, Maple Shade Farm of Delhi, Natural Gardens of East Meredith, O'Neill's Shire Pub of Delhi, Strickland Hollow Distillery of Meridale, Taste of the Catskills of Delhi, The Hatherleigh Company of Hobart, Watershed Roxbury of Roxbury, Integrated Wood Components of Deposit, Stamford Farmers Cooperative of Stamford, Chef Deanna of Bovina Center, Pepacton Farms of Bovina Center, Ty's Tao-Ria of Hamden, and Empowered By You of Walton.

The majority of the funds were dispersed in 2022 and 2023. The hearing will give the public opportunity to provide comments on program implementation and any negative impacts on the community, explained Lindsay Whitback, economic development agriculture specialist.

"Businesses in Delaware County have faced shutdowns, operating at a minimum capacity and other disruptions caused by the pandemic," said Whitback, "This program was aimed towards businesses that took a complete loss as well as businesses that had to adapt to the pandemic." Funds were used to assist in costs incurred while responding to or preventing the global pandemic, she further explained.