The #MontcoStrong Small Business Grant Program has opened a third round making available $10 million in economic development funds to small businesses.

Some of the important things to note:

• Applications will be accepted beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16, and the application window will close at approximately noon the following day.
• Businesses that received a Round 1 or Round 2 #MontcoStrong Small Business Grant may not apply in Round 3.
• Applicants from Round 1 and/or Round 2 that did not receive funding must apply again for consideration in Round 3; applications from prior rounds do not automatically carry over.

For more information, please see the Round 3 guidelines and Round 3 FAQ. Email questions about Round 3 applications can be sent to MontcoStrongSBGP@montcopa.org starting Wednesday, July 15, but emails regarding the status of an application cannot be answered due to anticipated high volume.

This grant program is separate from the $225 million COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance program announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

SEPTA Key Travel Wallet Coming to Regional Rail Monday

SEPTA will launch the Travel Wallet on SEPTA Key for Regional Rail customers starting on Monday, July 13. Using Travel Wallet on the contactless Key Card will enhance safety and convenience for riders.

"As the region's COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease and SEPTA prepares to welcome back customers, we are expanding the options for using the contactless Key Card on Regional Rail," said SEPTA General Manager Leslie S. Richards. "The Key Card gives customers added convenience and flexibility, and by using Travel Wallet, they will always receive the fare with the greatest discount."

With the launch of Travel Wallet on Regional Rail, SEPTA will activate turnstiles at Center City stations for tap to exit. Passengers will use the Travel Wallet by tapping the SEPTA Key validator at the platform or turnstile at both the boarding station and before leaving the exiting station. Using the Travel Wallet allows passengers to automatically receive the discounted Regional Rail rate previously available by purchasing a 10-trip strip of tickets.

Route 422 lane closure

Westbound U.S. 422 will be reduced to a single lane next week for roadway patching and other construction activities under a project to rehabilitate pavement and repair seven structures along a five-mile section of U.S. 422 between the Royersford/Trappe and Sanatoga interchanges in Limerick and Lower Pottsgrove townships, PennDOT announced.

The work schedule is:

• Sunday, July 12, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, July 13, a left lane closure will be in place on westbound U.S. 422 between Township Line Road and Lewis Road.
• Sunday, July 12, through Thursday, July 16, from 7 p.m. to 2 p.m. the following afternoon, a left lane closure will be in place on westbound U.S. 422 between Township Line Road and Evergreen Road.
• Friday, July 17, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 18, a left lane closure will be in place on westbound U.S. 422 between Township Line Road and Evergreen Road.

Updated FAQs about pools, camps, other summer recreation

The Wolf Administration this week released updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) about summer recreation, camps and pools. The original FAQs were announced in May to cover summer camps and recreation. The new FAQs modify those and add information about pools.

“As we learned more about the importance of mask-wearing and listened to questions from providers and parents, we updated the FAQs so everyone involved in these summer programs understands how they may operate,” Governor Tom Wolf said. “We hope that this updated guidance helps everyone participating in summer childcare and recreation programs and eliminates some of the stress and worry associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is affecting our everyday lives.”

The guidance was updated to reflect the order of the Secretary of the Department of Health Requiring Universal Face Coverings. New sections appear in red text throughout the FAQs. There are also Universal Face Coverings Order FAQs that provide more information on the order.

Moratorium on evictions, foreclosures extended

Governor Tom Wolf this week signed a new executive order that protects homeowners and renters from eviction or foreclosure until Aug. 31, if they have not received assistance from a new program administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) or are not already receiving relief through one of several federal foreclosure moratorium programs or judicial orders. Lenders and property owners that receive funds through the PHFA program agree not pursue foreclosure or eviction actions as a condition of participation in the program.

“I am taking this action to help families know they will have a roof over their heads and a place to live while all of us fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Wolf. “It takes one more burden off of people who are struggling and ensures that families can remain in their homes so they can protect their health and wellbeing.”

The governor signed legislation in May providing $150 million for rental assistance and $25 million for mortgage assistance through PHFA with CARES Act funds. PHFA began accepting applications July 6.

Eligibility information and applications for renters and homeowners is available on the PHFA website.