Back to list July 09, 2020

COVID-19 Updates & Resources

Cumberland County officially moved to the Green Phase on Friday, June 12th. View recovery and reopening information here.

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The well-being of our partners, guests and residents is the highest priority for CAEDC. Below are a few resources we would like to make available to you. Please know that we understand this situation is evolving and we will do our best to stay up-to-date.

CAEDC offices are currently closed and staff is working from home and can best be reached by email. Please view our Staff Page for contact info.

HEALTH RESOURCES

CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
PA Department of Health
PA 2-1-1-: Free, accessible, 3-digit telephone number available to everyone. All residents have easy access to customized health, housing, and human services information in one place.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Provided by Capital Associates

July 3, 2020 Weekly Update:

House Resolution 836- Governor’s Disaster Declaration: On Wednesday afternoon, the State Supreme Court issued an opinion in favor of Governor Wolf’s authority to continue his disaster declaration, after the legislature pushed back and voted to end it. The Court ruled that the legislature does not possess the authority to end the Governor’s disaster declaration, who passed this resolution in late May, and were arguing that the court had previously indicated they held this power just a few months earlier. This means that the State will continue to move forward under the Governor’s phased reopening plan, as all 67 counties will be green by July 3rd. There is still no clarity on what the next steps are for counties after green, and the Governor on Wednesday announced that Secretary Levine had signed an order requiring Pennsylvanian’s wear masks whenever they leave their house and are in a public place.

Senate Bill 352- Tax Exemption and Mixed-Use incentive Program: The Senate has concurred in the House amendments to SB 352, which will now need the Governor’s signature before it becomes law. Senate Bill 352 would create a stand-alone act, authorizing local taxing authorities to provide for tax exemption incentives for blighted or deteriorated properties. This tax exemption would apply to new construction in designated areas set by the local authority, and must meet zoning and ordinance requirements, as well as increasing total property values by at least 25%. A property would not be eligible if other tax abatements or incentives are already being applied to the property, or the owner is delinquent in other taxes due.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
-Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
-Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
-Clean surfaces frequently.
-Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
-If you must go out for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

COVID-19 RELIEF STATEWIDE SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

Governor Wolf announced that $225 million is available for COVID-19 relief to small businesses through a distribution to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) for loan payment deferment and portfolio loan loss reserves, main street business revitalization grants, and historically disadvantaged business revitalization grants.

The funds will be available through three programs:

Main Street Revitalization Program – $100 million for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the governor’s March 19, 2020 order relating to the closure of all non-life-sustaining businesses and have or will incur costs to adapt to new business operations related to COVID-19
Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program – $100 million for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the business closure order, have or will incur costs to adapt to new business operations related to COVID-19, and in which socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51 percent interest and also control management and daily business operations
Loan Payment Deferment and Loss Reserve Program – $25 million which will allow the CDFIs the opportunity to offer forbearance and payment relief for existing portfolio businesses that are struggling due to the impact of COVID, as well as shore up the financial position of the CDFIs that are experiencing significant increased defaults in their existing loan portfolios.

Applications are now being accepted, apply here.