Indiana state GOP reps Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) said the city of Monticello is to receive $250,000 in grant funding from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) to help small businesses to meet expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.   

"Small businesses in our communities are vital to getting the economy fully back on track," Lehe said on the Indiana House of Representatives Republican Caucus website. "They have been some of the hardest hit by this public health emergency, and this funding will provide some relief they need to continue operating."

Negele said 42 rural Indiana communities would receive the funding as part of OCRA’s COVID-19 Response Program. She added that over $20 million has been distributed nationally to help small businesses cover payroll and other operational costs.  

"As a small-business owner, I know how hard employers around our state are working to keep their employees and customers safe," Negele said. "Business owners have had to make adjustments and take on added expenses in light of the pandemic, and this funding can help keep them open."

The COVID-19 Response Program uses federal money provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. For more information on Indiana’s participation in the program go to in.gov/ocra.