DEM Establishes $1 Million Fund to Help Indoor Sports Venues Recoup Losses Incurred During COVID-Caused Closure
Applications are due Saturday, November 28.
This was the week that indoor sporting venues had to close to allow the state time to review and update its regulations and guidance to ensure that indoor sporting facilities and sport organizations had clear directions for operating during the pandemic to slow the spread of COVID-19.
When she announced the temporary closure in late October, Governor Gina M. Raimondo promised business owners in this sector that she would work to protect them from the impacts of the unexpected pause. The RI indoor sports venue support fund makes good on the Governor's promise.
"Whenever
and however we can, we will work to provide direct economic assistance to
businesses that have been harmed by this pandemic," Governor Raimondo
said. "I'm grateful to DEM and Director Coit for immediately taking action
to help our local businesses." Governor Raimondo asked DEM Director Janet
Coit to be on point for handling issues related to sports during the pandemic.
"From our Zoom calls and frequent conversations with owners and operators in this sector, we realize that indoor sports complexes are big investments that are expensive to build, staff, and operate," said Director Coit.
"Based
on our experience in standing up a similar program to help commercial fishermen
who endured COVID-related losses earlier this fall, we are ready to help owners
of indoor sports venues starting today and encourage eligible businesses to
apply for funding now."
Here
are the criteria that applicants must meet to qualify for this program.
1.
Indoor sports venue operator. The applicant must be an organization that
operates an indoor sports venue, such as an indoor ice rink, multi-use sports
facility, basketball courts, tennis courts, swimming pool, indoor track, and
squash facilities, etc., in Rhode Island. Public education institutions and
municipal-owned or government-owned facilities and their affiliates are not
eligible.
2.
Subject to closure under Executive Order 20-90. Applicants must have closed
their complexes entirely or cancelled prohibited activities in their venues
from November 2 to 8 as required by Executive Order 20-90, which Governor Raimondo
signed October 30. Here is the relevant section of the order:
All indoor sporting facilities, such as indoor ice rinks and basketball courts, may not host games, practices, or any other sport, for the period beginning on Monday, November 2, through Sunday, November 8.
To the extent that such facilities are used for purposes other than sports activities, they may continue to be open. This Order does not apply to activities of professional or collegiate interscholastic athletic programs; only professional and collegiate interscholastic athletic programs may conduct indoor activities during this time.
If a gymnasium or fitness center has an indoor sport facility within its
establishment, it may not be used for games, practices, or any other sport for
the period beginning on Monday, November 2, through Sunday, November 8.
3.
Revenue loss. Applicants must have suffered a revenue loss of at least $2,000
as a result of the closure required by the executive order.
4.
Good standing. The applicant must be in good standing with the Rhode Island
Secretary of State's office and the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. If a
business is in compliance and is up to date with its taxes, fee payments, and
filing periodical reports, it is in good standing.
5.
Documentation. Applicants must quantify and document their financial losses.
Here are the specific requirements.
Eligible
and ineligible uses of program funds can be found at the link below.
The final amounts granted will be based on the loss shown but also are subject to available funds and may be prorated depending on the number of applications received.
Applications
are due Saturday, November 28, with awards intended to be announced Friday,
December 4, and funds disbursed throughout December. To apply, click here. For
questions, please contact Kimberly.McNulty@dem.ri.gov.
For
more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow
DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM
for timely updates.
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