Pennsylvania's restaurants and hotels have been among the hardest hit businesses in the state from the pandemic, and now they're about to get some much-needed help from Harrisburg.
The state legislature has earmarked $145 million in a relief package specifically for the industry.
John Longstreet, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association told the KDKA Radio Morning Show that if they don't get this money fast, many restaurants and hotels just won't be able to survive.
He said "Twenty percent of the operators in Pennsylvania said unless they get significant help, they're gonna be closed permanently within three months."
There are 26,000 restaurants and 1,500 hotels in Pennsylvania that will be receiving that money.
Gov. Wolf initiated a transfer of $145 million to be appropriated by PA legislatures into grants for businesses in December. The legislature unanimously approved the measure in February.
"The legislature, both the House and the Senate, when they considered his request, they saw that our industry was the hardest hit and that all of it should go to restaurants and hotels," said Longstreet.
The application for the grant is open to all 67 Pennsylvania counties, with funding provided in the form of block grants to each county based on population.
Grants will be awarded in $5,000 increments up to $50,000 maximum. Applications need to be submitted from businesses by March 15.
