Schuylkill County will receive about a $1.6 million block grant to assist eligible businesses in the hospitality industry affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All 67 counties statewide will receive funding based on population through the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program.

“The restaurants are getting murdered with all these restrictions,” Schuylkill County Commissioners’ Chairman Barron “Boots” Hetherington said, adding other businesses are also feeling the economic pain.

Hetherington said the county is thankful for the funds.

“It definitely came at a good time. I know people that are hurting and need this,” said Commissioner Gary Hess.

Robert S. Carl Jr., president and chief executive officer of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, said the organization is getting calls about the money.

“There are a lot of people who have questions and they don’t want to miss it,” he said about the application.

Eligible businesses are those that have a certain classification system designation where accommodations, food or drink is available to the public, fewer than 300 full-time equivalent employees, a maximum tangible net worth not exceeding $15 million, operational Feb 15, 2020, remains open and doesn’t intend to stop operations within a year of applying for funds, and the pandemic has had adverse economic impact on the business, making it request funds to continue operating, according to news release.

Counties must have made application through the state Department of Community and Economic Development by Wednesday. A Certified Economic Development Organization or Community Development Financial Institution will dispose the funds via grant agreements with eligible businesses. Revenue losses and eligible operating expenses are permitted uses.

Each county must select a CEDO or CDFI by March 1. Applications for the grants must commence by March 15 and continue until funds have been spent or June 15, according to program guidelines. Hess said the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance or another entity could give out the grants. NEPA serves Schuylkill, Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties.

Carl said SEDCO isn’t likely to administer the grants because of its small staff. MetroAction, a CDFI based in Scranton, could be. It provides small-business loans and other services. He believes it ultimately comes down to who can do the job most efficiently.

Although the chamber will not have a direct role in the process, it still wants to help those in need.

“We will do our best to make sure people understand the process,” Carl said.