Harless Talks Business Grants, Coming Virus Surge

Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless says more than 200 local businesses have already applied for local grants to help them get through the COVID-19 pandemic economic downturn, and is warning local residents of a possible coming surge of local cases in days to come.

Harless told the Greg Dunker Show Thursday morning applicants are being screened right now for the first round of funding, and should get their money soon. 

"We have had a little over 200 applicants so far apply for the first round of funding. We have $150,000, granting 75 businesses $2,000 each. We're now screening those applicants, and we're now working on the fundraising for round two. As of Monday afternoon, we had $11,500 committed from the local community, and then we're matching that of course with city dollars." She said.

Harless urged local residents to donate to the fund to help local businesses, which is being collected by a local organization.

"We're partnering with the Community Foundation of West Kentucky. They have a donation link right on the front of their homepage. You can also mail a check to P.O. Box 7, Paducah, KY 42002." Harless said.

Harless said local hospitals have been preparing for a possible uptick in cases of the virus in the near future.  

"There's a peak time coming when we will see more cases trickle in. That will also be true for McCracken County. No one can predict what that number will look like," Harless said. "So I just wanted to share how much work our local health care system is truly doing to make sure that we're prepared for what they call a surge."

Harless added that it's important to acknowledge the sacrifices that are being made by healthcare professionals to treat patients and prepare for a surge of cases in the near future.

"I just really want our community to know, that while you might not hear about it every day, people are still working 10 and 12 hours a day to make sure we are ready if that surge hits McCracken County."