COVID-19

County to provide relief grants for hospitality businesses

Marion County announced it will provide business relief grants for hospitality businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. The county is offering grants to establishments licensed by Marion County Environmental Health. These include restaurants, mobile food carts, commissaries, camps, hotels, RV parks, pools, warehouse and vending. 

The county expects to distribute approximately $3.5 million in grant funding to local businesses by the end of the year. 

Grant beneficiaries will need to fill out a short grant application form to demonstrate they meet State of Oregon eligibility guidelines. Marion County is reaching out directly to all business with environmental health licenses. One application per environmental health license is required. 

Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11.

Commissioner Colm Willis, chair, said, “In addition to the health impacts of COVID-19, this pandemic has devastated local businesses, especially our restaurant and hospitality industries.” He continued, “We don’t want people to suffer—whether from illness or financial instability. These grant funds will help our local businesses continue to persevere in extremely difficult circumstances.”  

Due to the short timeline, businesses are encouraged to carefully complete the grant application form and ensure all required information is included. Applications with incomplete or incorrect information will be disqualified. 

For questions or assistance with the grant application, contact Marion County Environmental Health at [email protected] or call (503) 588-5346 before the Dec. 11 deadline.

Grant application forms for businesses licensed by Marion County Environmental Health can be found at Bit.ly/MCEHGrant.