SMETHPORT — McKean County has partnered with the North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission to administer the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program, also known as CHIRP.

CHIRP is open to hospitality-related for-profit businesses in McKean County including hotels, restaurants, bars, and taverns that are included in NAICS Codes 721 (Accommodations) or 722 (Food Services and Drinking Places). Information about NAICS designations is available at https://www.naics.com/search/.

Grant awards will range from $5,000-$50,000 and can be used to alleviate revenue losses and pay eligible operating expenses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Information about the grant including eligibility, grant application, required documentation, and required certifications is available on the COVID-19 section of the McKean County Website (www.mckeancountypa.org). Applications and required documentation should be submitted using the on-line application and will be accepted from March 15, 2021, to April 15, 2021.

Act 1 of 2021 established the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program including $145 million statewide to be distributed to hospitality industry businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The program is run through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development and administered by North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission, a Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) for McKean County. This has been a collaborative project; McKean, Potter, Elk, Cameron, Clearfield and Jefferson Counties have all worked collaboratively with North Central to develop the application packet and streamline the review and award process.

For more information about this grant program or, if unable to complete the application electronically, email MCCARES@mckeancountypa.org.