SALEM — Mayor Kimberley Driscoll announced Thursday that, as part of its first round of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding allocations, close to $1 million in federal recovery funds have been directed toward economic recovery and small business and worker support initiatives; and more than $750,000 in other relief funds have been likewise committed to this purpose.
The project will dedicate almost $500,000 to a worker retention program, while $270,000 will go to outdoor dining costs for small businesses. The rest of the $976,000 will be split between grants for festivals and special events, culinary and hospitality workforce development, and grants for outdoor dining.
Driscoll said that this funding project builds on previous pandemic rebuilding initiatives that she said are ultimately responsible for Salem’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
“The allocations announced today build on the $750,000 in federal CARES and CDBG funds that the city also spent on direct, targeted business supports during the pandemic, bringing our total investment in business and worker assistance to more than $1.7 million,” Driscoll said.
“Throughout the pandemic Salem had no net loss of businesses and today our local unemployment rate is below the pre-pandemic level. This kind of success is only possible through thoughtful planning, intentional and strategic actions, and close, constructive partnerships with our businesses, workers, and those who support them.”
Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at [email protected].
