By: Michael Mandarino, Follow South Jersey Managing Editor
TRENTON, N.J. — On Friday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that will allocate $35 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to restaurants throughout the state.
The bill is one of five upcoming bills that will provide a total of $100,000,000 in relief funding to businesses that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. All aid will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which has granted more than $250 million in funding to tens of thousands of businesses throughout New Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The New Jersey EDA will release more information about how it will provide money to restaurants at a later date.
“For the past year, our restaurants have fought the good fight, and we know that fight has not been easy,” Gov. Murphy said in a press release. “This legislation will provide a much-needed lifeline to small business owners, who, through no fault of their own, have been devastated by this pandemic.”
Throughout the past year, restaurants have faced a number of challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most, if not all New Jersey restaurants have lost business and had to adjust to a changing landscape due to COVID-19. Whether it was closing their doors for months due to coronavirus-related shutdowns or having to adjust to capacity limits and outdoor dining, restaurants have been among the hardest-hit industries nationwide due to COVID-19.
Gov. Murphy also signed legislation on Monday morning granting an additional $15 million in aid to small businesses — another part of the five-bill, $100 million commitment New Jersey is making for businesses impacted by the pandemic.
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