14 • July 22 - 23, 2020 STATE Grant program to help meet demand for PPEs The PPE Production Grant Program is designed to increase production of personal protective equipment needed to help contain the spread of COVID-19. (Shutterstock) Courtesy of MO Department of Economic Development The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announced this week the launch of the PPE Production Grant Program, which is designed to increase production of personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to help contain the spread of COVID-19. The new program uses $20 million in CARES Act funds to help companies produce PPE in Missouri as part of the state’s Show Me Strong Recovery Plan. Since March, many Missouri companies have already shifted to making PPE to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. When existing businesses retool to produce PPE, it is an opportunity for Missouri to keep production local and more accessible to businesses, hospitals and healthcare providers in the state, but manufacturers often face high costs related to new machinery or hiring additional employees. The PPE Production Grant Program will help companies by awarding grant funds to reimburse companies for these costs. Eligible uses for awarded funds under the PPE Production Grant Program include purchasing equipment and retooling, upgrading, or expanding facilities to increase PPE production. Qualifying businesses or nonprofits can receive up to $500,000 to offset costs incurred after March 1, 2020, and awards will be determined based on need for specific types of PPE. For more information on the PPE Production Grant Program and the statewide response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit showmestrong.mo.gov. bransonglobe.com Ashcroft awards nearly $1million in coronavirus relief grants to Missouri libraries Courtesy of Missouri Secretary of State Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced the Missouri State Library has awarded $960,338 in grant funds to 60 libraries in order to respond to coronavirus health and safety concerns. “Missouri’s libraries are integral to the communities they serve and the resources they offer are vital,” Ashcroft said. “These funds help our libraries face the unique obstacles presented by the coronavirus so they can continue offering key services and expanding programs for their patrons.” Details on the libraries, the amount they were awarded and how they plan to use the funds can be viewed on the secretary of state’s website: sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/LibraryDevelopment/ CARESonlineposting.pdf. Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds are used to address digital inclusion and related technical support or to address other efforts that prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19. The Missouri State Library received $554,569 in CARES funds and reallocated other grant funds to contribute an additional $432,800 in FY2020 LSTA funds for a total availability of $987,369 for coronavirus relief projects. The State Library has awarded $960,338 in coronavirus relief funding to 60 libraries. These projects were supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under CARES and LSTA provisions as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
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