A wide variety of topics were discussed, including information on available small business loans, during the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission monthly board meeting on Wednesday.
During the meeting, two guest speakers from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic development spoke on various topics.
Steve D’Ettorre, deputy secretary of technology and innovation, was one of two guest speakers, providing an update on the state level. He noted that the government’s budget will hopefully be passed around June.
“It will be a flat budget, with the exception of PA manufacturing and PREP (Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance) lines; both are seeking 1.5 million dollars,” noted D’Ettorre.
They are currently having discussions on who the best recipients will be and how to get the money to the small businesses.
The second guest speaker was Neil Fowler, executive director, who mentioned that they currently have funds available through the Appalachian Region Commission (ARC). He also discussed that there is also five million dollars of ARC money available through the local access road program, which can be used to help build industrial access roads.
ARC funding is generally limited to 50% of eligible project costs and may be funded up to 100%.
The board approved a resolution of combining a previous Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grant Program (RACP) grant that was approved for Penn Highlands Healthcare to build a four-story building along with a second grant to renovate the third floor of the existing building. Both the new building and the renovated floor will bring the number of patient beds to 118, increasing the capacity for adults diagnosed with substance abuse and mental health issues.
Two EDA CARES Act Revolving Funds Loans were approved, including a $20,000 loan to the Pour House Bar and Grill, LLC in St. Marys to purchase new equipment in need of replacement, at an interest rate of .75% for a term of seven years. Additionally, a $25,000 loan as approved for the Kane Family Drive-In Theatre in Kane, which will go toward revenue loss due to COVID-19, as well as a new field ordering system, in which patrons can order food directly from their car and have it delivered to them. This loan will also have an interest rate of .75% for a term of five years.
North Central is looking to continue to expand broadband service to rural communities that may not have adequate access. Individuals are encouraged to provide feedback at http://www.ncentral.com/technology/ for the ongoing North Central Broadband Study. All data received up until the next few months will be examined and utilized to identify target areas before they apply for funding.
Jim Chorney, executive director for North Central, said the Governance Committee met and was asking approval for Dr. Jill Martin Rend to fill one of the empty board seats, starting retroactive to Jan. 1 for a period of three years. This was passed unanimously by the board.
A reminder was given that applications for the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) are currently available on the specific county websites for Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, McKean and Potter counties. Applications will be accepted through April 15 for the first round of grants, which will be reviewed and approved by North Central. Paper applications are also available.
The next meeting will be held virtually at 9:30 a.m. on April 28 to approve any loans they may have. The next regular board meeting will be held both virtually and in person at 9:30 a.m. on May 26.
