Baird, Heaton: Owen County receives COVID-19 response funding

Posted by: Wade Coggeshall  | Monday, May 4, 2020

STATEHOUSE (May 4, 2020) – Owen County recently received $243,750 in coronavirus relief to support rural Hoosiers, according to State Reps. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) and Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute).

"Our rural communities are facing unprecedented challenges due to this public health crisis," Baird said. "Financial relief like this will provide critical support so small businesses can retain employees during this difficult time."

Owen County was awarded $243,750 to provide grants to businesses demonstrating an impact from COVID-19 to be able to retain low- or moderate-income employees.

"Many Hoosiers are struggling with job losses and income disruptions," Heaton said. "This funding will help ensure that when this pandemic subsides, Indiana employers and workers can quickly return to business."

In March Gov. Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-05, which allowed the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to redirect Community Development Block Grant funds to assist with COVID-19 needs. As a result, the COVID-19 Response Program was created to address the immediate impacts of the public health emergency on Indiana’s rural communities.

Visit in.gov/ocra for more information. 

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State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44, which includes
all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.