(Des Moines, IA) -- The state is launching a $40-(m) million grant program for pandemic-impacted bars and restaurants. Governor Kim Reynolds says the Iowa Restaurant and Bar Grant Relief Program will offer one-time grants of up to 25-thousand dollars based on lost sales. The awards will be based on declines in gross sales in the second and third quarters of 2020, compared to the previous year. The application period is between Monday, February 1st and Monday, February 15th. More details are expected to be released next week by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and will be posted on www.iowabusinessrecovery.com.

The state is also announcing a reallocation of $17(m) million in relief money to local governments for direct expenses from the pandemic. Reynolds says of the $17 (m) million remaining from the Local Government Relief Fund, roughly $4.7 (m) million was previously allocated to smaller cities. It's now being reallocated to the counties instead. Counties will not have to reapply for the additional funds.

“In so many waysCOVID-19 has changed the way government serves its citizens, and perhaps the greatest impact has been at the local level. These resources will provide County and City governments with additional assistance to provide essential services to Iowans as they continue to combat the pandemic,” said Gov. Reynolds. “I appreciate the unprecedented collaboration we have seen at the state, county, and city level which includes the incredible teams at Iowa State Association of Counties and the Iowa League of Cities."

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