Jefferson County Commissioners Develop Economic Recovery Team


BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – The Jefferson County Commissioners have developed an economic recovery team in response to business concerns during COVID-19.

Reading from a prepared statement at the Tuesday, April 14, Jefferson County Commissioners meeting, which was broadcast online, Commissioner chairman Jack Matson said that the Commissioners are aware that small businesses need support at this time.

“The Jefferson County Commissioners have pulled resources from Jefferson County Development Council, the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce and the Dubois Chamber of Commerce executive directors to be a resource for businesses to contact for valuable information,” Matson said. “These partners are dedicated to ensuring businesses are fully aware of the available government assistance, and if needed, helping businesses apply for the assistance.”

Watch the full meeting here

According to Matson, the economic recovery team will provide up-to-date information for businesses affected by COVID-19 and its related shutdowns.

“Businesses are encouraged to contact local financial institutions to learn what programs are available for their unique circumstances,” Matson said. “The economic recovery team may be contacted for further information as it becomes available through state and federal help programs.”

Jefferson County is also working with the Penn State DuBois’ North-Central Pennsylvania LaunchBox program.

“Brad Lashinksy has put together a survey that will help us out and help you out,” Matson said. “We will put the website address up on the County website.”

County Commissioner Herbert Bullers said the survey is going to be the business’s way of conveying to the county their needs, their wants and what has happened to them.

“That way we can extend this out to the governor, GT (Congressman Glenn Thompson), Scarnati (State Senator Joe Scarnati), who every it may be, so they can understand what the people are really going through,” Bullers said. “Maybe, there will be a way that they can help.”

Matson said the Commissioners understand the COVID-19 pandemic is going to hit the Commonwealth in different ways.

“It is going to hit harder in some areas, at different times in some areas,” Matson said. “You just look at the map to see where the pandemic is. There are some unique challenges that we have that are unique to the state.”

Matson said if the Commissioner can help the local businesses and help the recovery, they will.

“Our goal is to get back to normal,” Matson said. We are going to get there. It is going to take some work by a lot of people.”

Matson also wanted Jefferson County municipalities to know that the county is now accepting applications from all municipalities for the 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

“With the passage of the CARES Act federal stimulus package, we are anticipating additional grant funds becoming available through the CDBG program along with other grant funds such as the Commonwealth Financing Authority MultiModal Fund,” Matson said. “We are asking all municipalities to prioritize a list of projects that are important to their community and provide this information to the County’s Department of Development so that when these funds become available we will be able to identify funding sources that your project(s) would be eligible for and assist you with the grant application process.”

Matson said any municipality considering applying for these grant funds should contact the Jefferson County Department of Development at 814-849-3047 immediately.


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