Businesses and nonprofits lose appeal over CARES Act Funding

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Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 12:20pm

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Sitka, Alaska (KINY) - 11 businesses and nonprofits appealed to the City and Borough of Sitka Assembly to give them more money from the federal CARES Act Tuesday.

All of the appeals were denied.

The primary purpose of the program is to assist with costs relating to the business interruption caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic and related closures.  This includes loss of income due to mandatory shutdowns; inventory loss; additional operating expenses of reopening or resuming services to the public; costs of protecting staff, customers or clients; or other economic impacts due to the public health emergency. The grant funds may be used for future expenses or to cover for funds already spent.

Alaska Coast Outfitters asked for $10,000 and received $5,000.

Alaska Skiff asked for $10,000 and received $7,500

Ann's Gavan Hill Bed and Breakfast asked for $10,000 and received $2,500.

Fishing Vessel Sea Lark asked for $7,500 and received $5,000.

The Greater Sitka Arts Council received $2,500 but requested $5,000.

Northern Images requested $10,000 and received $5,000.

St. Gregory's Soup Kitchen requested $10,000 and received $5,000.

The Sitka Pregnancy Center requested $10,000 and received $2,500.

The Sitka Sportsman's Association requested $10,000 and received $2,500.

Takeena Adventures requested $2,500 and didn't receive any funding.

Toads Taxi requested $5,000 and received $2,500.

Assemblymembers encouraged the applicants to apply for a second round of funding due out in mid to late November.

Assemblymember Thor Christianson said Sitka can't make all businesses whole with this funding, "I think every person who applied could come up with a similar story on why they should get more."

Officials said federal rules and regulations were very specific on how these funds could be used.

Nonprofits said the pandemic has greatly impacted the group's ability to fundraise this year.

The 55th anniversary of the Sitka Salmon Derby was canceled.  That cost the sportsmans association about $15,000.

John McCrehin, Chairman of the Salmon Derby, said they had to cancel the event for the first time in 65 years.

"People come from all over the country to that derby.  We just didn't get enough interest to make the event worthwhile this year."

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