TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Relief is coming to what New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy described as a crucial part of the state's economy.
Murphy signed a bill Friday providing federal COVID-19 relief aid for restaurants throughout New Jersey.
"With a few strokes of a few pens," he said, "New Jersey will formally put aside $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds for restaurants, bars, breweries, brew pubs and wineries."
Murphy said the new legislation doubles the state's initial $35 million commitment made to small businesses in October.
"These are places where communities come together, which also help define a community," he said. "Not only can we now do more for our dining establishments to be able to make it through the remainder of the pandemic, but they will be poised for a stronger future."
The aid will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which Murphy said can't happen soon enough. The federal funding will be distributed as grants that businesses do not need to pay back.
"These are among the places least we not forget, that have been hit hardest by the pandemic," he said.
Murphy added the industry is not out of the woods yet, as margins for restaurants continue to be razor-thin. Restaurant industry officials said many have closed during the pandemic and will never reopen. Currently, New Jersey's restaurants can operate at 50% capacity for indoor dining under current COVID-19 regulations.