Cheshire County Concludes PERF Fund Application Period and Welcomes New ARPA Project Manager.

Posted on October 6, 2021

October 6, 2021

(Keene, NH) — September 24 marked the final day that Cheshire County’s small businesses and nonprofits could apply for up to $20,000 in grant funding through the Cheshire County Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund. The Cheshire County Delegation approved this fund on August 9 when it voted to utilize $7,265,125 in county-wide American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expenditures. Designed to reimburse nonprofits and small businesses for negative economic impacts experienced due to COVID-19, the Cheshire County Delegation allocated $1,000,000 of its ARPA award to the Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund.

Cheshire County began accepting applications for the Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund on September 1, and, in that short time, the County received 49 applications from small businesses and nonprofits. Cheshire County looks forward to reviewing these applications and distributing funds to eligible applicants as soon as possible.

As Cheshire County’s Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund concludes, the County is thrilled to welcome the new ARPA Project Manager, Davis Bernstein. Davis will be replacing Will Pearson, who has accepted a position with the Keene-based law firm, Wyatt & Associates, PLLC.

“Davis and Will have been very helpful in designing and implementing the county’s various initiatives related to the American Rescue Plan Act,” said County Administrator Chris Coates. “While we’re sad to see Will leave, we are excited for him, and we know Davis will continue to be a valuable asset in his new role.”

“Cheshire County was wise to bring on Will and Davis to help with ARPA—and the Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund is testament to the county’s foresight,” said County Commissioner Jack Wozmak. “With the help of Will and Davis, Cheshire County stands out as a leader among New Hampshire’s counties for its innovative uses of ARPA, and we’re enthusiastic about having Davis continuing that work.”

Cheshire County will review all applications to ensure all requested documentation is on file and then process each submission before bringing each application to the Cheshire County Commissioners.

It is the County’s goal to have the awards out as quickly as possible.