At their public meeting on Aug. 12, the York County commissioners allocated additional CARES Act funding to support the community's recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Based on recommendations provided in the YoCo Strong Recovery Task Force report and the guidelines of the CARES Act, the county may make direct allocations to nonprofit organizations providing a specific service to support the tourism and hospitality industry, cultural arts, and organizations providing a specific service to assist workforce development or front-line basic needs and support services related to COVID-19. Nonprofits not receiving direct allocations are eligible to apply to the YoCo Strong Restart Fund for small businesses and nonprofits.
These direct allocations, separate from the $4 million allocation to nonprofits approved earlier in the month, aim to help restart vital sectors that have also struggled during the pandemic. These direct allocations were approved unanimously.
Nonprofits in tourism and York Fair organization hospitality were awarded a total of $3.23 million. The York Fairgrounds and Expo Center received $2 million.
Tourism legacy and marketing partners were also awarded funds. Organizations receiving $100,000 each include Explore York, Susquehanna Heritage, Rail Trail Authority, York County History Center, and Northern Central Railway (Steam Into History). Organizations awarded $50,000 are Main Street Hanover and Downtown Inc. Ma & Pa Railroad received $25,000.
The Cultural Alliance of York County was awarded $75,000. Cultural Alliance partner organizations received funds, including Appell Center - $200,000; Belmont Theater - $50,000; Eichelberger Performing Arts Center - $100,000; Creative York - $25,000; Greater York Dance - $25,000; York Symphony Orchestra - $25,000; DreamWrights Center for Community Arts - $50,000; York Art Association - $10,000; York Youth Symphony Orchestra - $10,000; York Junior Symphony Orchestra - $10,000; Hanover Area Arts Guild - $10,000; Susquehanna Folk Music Society - $10,000; and Dillsburg Arts Council - $5,000.
Other nonprofits in York County received $1.4 million. Rapid re-employment and workforce development agencies receiving funds in the amount of $150,000 each are Crispus Attucks, New Hope Christian Ministries, and Community Progress Council. MANTEC received $50,000. Rabbittransit was awarded $300,000 for the expansion of public transit service between key employers and communities experiencing transportation inequities.
Basic needs and support service nonprofits were also awarded funds. Awards include York County Library System - $100,000; York County Food Bank - $50,000; YMCA - $200,000; New American Welcome Center - $50,000; Fortress of York - $50,000; YWCA York - $100,000; Jewish Community Center - $50,000; YWCA of Hanover - $50,000; and LifePath York - $50,000.
Total direct allocations equal $4.63 million. Organizations receiving a direct allocation will be ineligible to receive funding through the YoCo Strong Restart grant program.
In addition, on Aug. 5 the York County board of commissioners voted to allocate a portion of CARES Act funding to support and hasten the county's pathway to recovery. Following guidance and recommendations set forth in the YoCo Strong Recovery Task Force Report, the county commissioners voted unanimously for two allocations of $150,000 each to support the feasibility analysis of a countywide health bureau and to support the feasibility analysis of broadband capacity and connectivity.
The commissioners welcome input at their regular public meetings, usually held at 10 a.m. on the first, third and, when applicable, fifth Wednesdays of the month. Meetings are also streamed on Facebook.
For additional information, readers may visit http://www.yocostrong.org, or http://www.yorkcountypa.gov.
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