November 18, 2020 4:00 a.m.

Governor Kate Brown said the state will commit $55 million in financial assistance to support Oregon businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

A release said the funds will be allocated to counties to distribute with a priority for the hospitality industry, businesses impacted by the freeze, small businesses, and women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Tribal-owned businesses.

Brown said “Our iconic main street businesses have sacrificed too much already in this pandemic”. She said additional resources must be found to deploy quickly to help businesses that are suffering. Brown said she remains committed to fighting for additional measures at the federal level, “…including a reauthorization of the important features of the CARES Act, like the Payroll Protection Program and an extension of unemployment insurance benefits”.

The release said each county will receive a base of $500,000 plus a per capita allocation of the remainder of the funds. Counties will be responsible for deciding how businesses apply to receive funds and communicating the application process to businesses.

The Governor’s Office anticipates that funds will be distributed to counties within the next several weeks. Businesses who are interested in applying should contact their county for more information.