County businesses can soon start applying for funds “lost” during the COVID-19 shutdown and slowdown of the past year.
The Milam County commissioners voted in Monday’s meeting in the county courthouse to create the Milam County Small Business Grant Program.
The program will be funded by up to $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds for grants to qualifying businesses in the county.
Small business owners can apply for up to $10,000 to cover losses from March 2020 to March 2021, according to the new program rules.
The program, that was proposed by County Judge Steve Young, is for businesses in Milam County that have fewer than 25 employees.
Qualifying business owners can show proof of losses through things such as tax returns.
The application must be turned in to the county before Dec. 31, 2021.
The court also appointed Curtis Chubb to serve as chairman of the committee that will decide who gets the grants. He will serve along with former County Clerk Barbara Vansa and Rockdale businessman Collier Perry.
Commissioners also agreed to partner with Zoch-Net to pursue National Telecommunications & Information grant for improved internet service.
ZochNet proposal included these plans:
• Bring fiber to 5,077 households in county.
• Cost of $7,195,095.
• 269 miles of state of the art fiber.
• 140 miles buried within city limits.
• 39 mile run from Gause to Thorndale.
• Add additional towers.
• Improving and expanding transmitters.
The county has to file the application by Aug. 17.
Commissioners also created tax abatement agreements for solar projects planned by B.T. Jungmann LLC and the other by Gransolar Texas One LLC.
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