Port of Everett Offers COVID-19 Recovery Help

The Port of Everett is hoping to offer commercial tenants and subtenants a COVID-19 recovery boost with a third round of funding through its Economic Development Grant for Evolution (EDGE) program.

In this round, which would cover qualifying costs between April 1 and Dec. 31 of this year, the program broadened eligibility requirements to be in step with Washington State’s “Safe Start” Phased Reopening Plan. This now includes “any and all reopening phase(s), business-specific guidance and/or public health recommendation(s)/best management practices to resume or reopen,” according to the port.

Port commissioners in June set aside $50,000 toward the program, which provided up to $5,000 in individual grants. So far, five tenants have been awarded a combined $17,420. The rest of the money will be used in the third round. The grants have been used to help businesses comply with COVID-19 requirements.

Applicants must be a commercial tenant or subtenant on port property and have suffered closure or have been forced to modify because of the pandemic and the state’s stay at home and/or reopening phases. Applicants will have until 5 p.m. on Dec. 21 to submit electronically at www.portofeverett.com/EDGE.

By Sarah Spangler