A new COVID relief grant for eligible hospitality industry businesses in Mifflin, Juniata, and Snyder counties opens for applications March 15th.  County leaders urge businesses to apply as soon as possible for the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) grants since funds may be quickly exhausted.  Businesses can apply at the Community Giving Foundation’s website at www.csgiving.org from March 15th until the funds are exhausted, or June 15th.  Grants will range from $5,000 to $50,000 for revenue losses and operating expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The grant program was created from Act 1 of 2021, which was passed February 5th.  For more information, contact SEDA-COG at 570-522-7265.

PennDOT says work will begin on the second season to complete three sections of a culvert system with box culverts on Route 26 and Moore Street in Huntingdon Borough.  On Monday (March 15th), the contractor will begin preliminary work associated with the culvert located on Route 26. This work will take place off the roadway alignment until May 2nd. Work may utilize daylight traffic control if needed.  Starting May 2nd, and until June 7th, the existing culvert will be replaced using a detour that is already in place.  The detour utilizes Route 22, and Route 1010 to Route 26. 

Representative Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Mifflin/Centre) is hosting two, one-day Seniors for Safe Driving programs to help sharpen the driving skills of older motorists. The programs will be held on March 12th and May 20th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Fairfield Inn and Suites in Huntingdon.  The program is open to drivers age 55 and older. There is no on-the-road driving required and no exam will be given. At the completion of the class, motorists will be eligible to receive a minimum 5% discount on their auto insurance premiums.  You can register online at www.SeniorsForSafeDriving.com or call 1-800-559-4880. The cost for the class is $16. The number of participants will be limited to allow for proper social distancing.  For additional information, call Irvin’s district office at 814-644-2996.