CUMBERLAND — City businesses under financial pressure as a result of the ongoing construction downtown will be able to apply for a grant online beginning Feb. 9, according to Allegany County officials.
The grant program was approved Thursday at the regular meeting of the Allegany County Board of Commissioners with the application process available online at gov.allconet.org.
“Hearing from the citizenry in Cumberland about the impacts of construction on Baltimore, Liberty and Centre streets, we said we would pursue a grant program and the good news is we were able to get a partnership with the city of Cumberland,” said Jeff Barclay, county economic development director.
The county is contributing $50,000 to the grant program. After county officials announced on Jan. 25 they intended to create the grant program for the struggling businesses, city of Cumberland officials followed suit by announcing they would contribute a matching $50,000, bringing the total available for grants to $100,000.
“We are doing $50,000 from the county and $50,000 from the city,” said Barclay. “We will see what the interest is and the need that comes in.”
Allegany County will process the applications and oversee the distribution of the grants.
“We will ask some financial information, obviously that will be confidential,” said Barclay. “We will collect the data and try to get this money on the street as quickly as we can.”
Several downtown businesses are struggling in the midst of an extensive $16 million, 18-month construction project that has impeded access, caused water outages, and reduced customer patronage, according to multiple business owners.
The downtown construction project began in April last year and is not expected to be completed until October. The construction has currently spread to Centre and Liberty streets and Baltimore Street extended to Queen City Drive.
“The intent with the construction is trying to get these businesses through these last months of winter,” said Commissioner Dave Caporale. “Hopefully when the weather breaks they will be available for more outside dining and things along those lines. Hopefully they will be closer to the end of the project as well.”
Barclay said stipulations will be contained in the application.
“We want to make sure the businesses weren’t taking in (grant money) and doing new things with it, like remodel their business,” he said. “The intent is, if you are behind on your bills, you can take this money and make those payments.”
Businesses open prior to October 2022 with under 15 employees will be eligible.
“Grant funds can’t be used for capital improvement or further acquisitions,” added Barclay. “The intent is that we want these businesses to stay in business — to sign on with the intent of remaining in the business for 36 months.” Grants will not have to be paid back but could be clawed back if the business closes within the 36-month window.
Barclay said he has been heartened to see some of the acts of kindness of people frequenting the businesses when possible as well as offering in-kind assistance.
“It really shows the spirit of Cumberland,” he said.