HERKIMER —Herkimer County has received $500,000 through a successful application for funding through the New York State Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) program.

The county received the grant in conjuction with the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency.

The objective of the CARES Grant is to help businesses throughout Herkimer County fund a series of activities to prevent the spread of the virus, respond to impacts of the virus, safely reopen and prepare businesses for new safety protocols, according to Herkimer County IDA officials.

“I think this is a great opportunity for businesses in the area to respond to the pandemic in a positive way, especially with the amount of negative impacts COVID-19 has had the past few years” said Victoria Adams, administration and grant coordinator at the Herkimer County IDA.

Eligible businesses in the county may apply for between $25,000 and $100,000 in funding to assist with past or current COVID related expenses, the Herkimer County IDA announcement said.

The funding announcement added that the projects selected for award will assist in the recovery of New York State Communities by improving the resiliency of businesses and public facilities serving its residents.

To learn more about the potential grant opportunity funding and to see if a business qualifies, contact Adams by phone at 315-866-3000 or by email at vadams@herkimercountyida.org.

The program application and program guidelines are also available on the Herkimer County IDA website, www.herkimercountyida.org.