By Carlos Medrano Araujo
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced today a $3.5 million program to help hotels, motels and short-term rental properties impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The COVID-19 Hotel Grant Program will provided qualified hospitality businesses with $557.47 per room with a maximum of $55,747 for each property.
The money must be used to support working capital, rent, payroll and efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Olszewski said. COVID prevention measures covered by the program include expenses for cleaning-disinfecting services and other materials, the county said.
“Baltimore County’s tourism and hospitality industry make our communities more vibrant and diverse and we are fully committed to supporting the recovery of the businesses in this sector,” Olszewski said in a statement. “Amid this pandemic, we will do all we can to ensure the continued success of these critical economic drivers during this challenging time.”
The county will begin accepting applications for the program at 10 a.m. next Tuesday, Olszewski said
To qualify for the grants, a business must have been in operation as of Jan. 1, 2020, the county said. It must also be open and operational by May 1, 2021.
Hotels and motels must have a minimum of 10 rooms while short-term rental properties must have at least five rooms to qualify.
Businesses must also be registered as “good standing” with the state Department of Assessments and Taxation, and they cannot be in default of any loans from the county or delinquent on county taxes.