Shenandoah downtown group awarded $50,000 state grant to offset COVID-19 losses

Apr. 17—SHENANDOAH — Downtown Shenandoah Inc. has been awarded $50,000 from the state Department of Community and Economic Development, according to state Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, and state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29.

The grant is part of the Supporting Elm and Main grant program, created to support community revitalization organizations that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn.

Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress in Luzerne County and Scranton Tomorrow in Lackawanna County also received $50,000 grants.

"While some of their efforts have been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am grateful they received this grant," Twardzik said about DSI in a news release.

Argall said annual Shenandoah events that had to be canceled because of the pandemic, including Kielbasy Festival and Heritage Day, has hurt the organization.

"Everyone at DSI works very hard to improve their town, and this extra support will help them continue those efforts despite the odds stacked against them by the pandemic," he said.

Executive Director Susan Williams said the organization is thrilled to receive the grant.

"We are very appreciative and will use the funding to take the place of substantial losses we experienced from canceling our major fundraising events in 2020 and into the first quarter of 2021," she said.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023