Hazard pay grants benefited Valley

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Several Mon Valley organizations deemed as life-sustaining industries were awarded funding as part of Gov. Tom Wolf’s $50 million grant program to help employers provide hazard pay to employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program, announced last month, was created to keep front-line employees working in industry sectors across Pennsylvania.

“Pennsylvania’s front-line workers put themselves and their loved ones at risk each day they report to work to ensure the continuation of critical goods and services for their communities, and hazard pay is an important opportunity to compensate these vital workers,” Wolf said. “It is undeniable that COVID-19 has put incredible stress on Pennsylvania’s economy, health care system and workforce, and my administration is committed to supporting our businesses and communities as we continue to navigate this global pandemic.”

Mon Valley services receiving funding were:

• Riverside Care Center, McKeesport, $74,400.

• Cambridge Creekside Senior Living, Charleroi, $12,720.

• The Residence at Hilltop, Monongahela, $54,810.

• Southwest Behavioral Care, affiliates in Monessen, Charleroi and Belle Vernon, $34,320.

• The Hallsworth House, Monessen, $37,800.

• Duritza Enterprises, Belle Vernon, $299,520.

• Duritza Foods, Belle Vernon, $63,000.

• Youghiogheny Valley Specialty Services, Buena Vista, $8,400.

Created through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the grant is available to employers offering hazard pay during the eligible program period and is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

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