Spring Valley EDA

Tools for Economic Growth in Spring Valley, Minnesota.

Chris Hahn

Governor Walz Announces Timeline to End State COVID-19 Restrictions. Capacity restrictions to end on May 28, masking requirement to end by July 1.

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(Original story retrieved from the Office of the Governor Website.  For the original story with quotes from the Governor, click here: Governor Walz Announces Timeline to End State COVID-19 Restrictions (mn.gov)

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced a three-step timeline to end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 years and older get their vaccine, or by July 1. The announcement comes as more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have gotten their shot and the state is on track to vaccinate 70 percent of Minnesotans by the end of June.

The most at-risk Minnesotans – seniors, long-term care residents, assisted living residents, educators, and front-line workers – have gotten their vaccines. Nearly 90 percent of Minnesotans over the age of 65 have gotten at least one dose.

Since mid-April, COVID-19 cases have declined. Hospitals are seeing fewer admissions and vaccination progress has relentlessly pushed forward. Vaccines held COVID-19 variants at bay and avoided having them overwhelm our state.

The three-step process will end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement by July 1 at the latest.

Step one takes place at noon on May 7. It includes initial steps to relax some restrictions, primarily in outdoor settings.

  • Removes limits for outdoor dining, events, and other get-togethers, and ends the mask requirement outdoors except at large venues with over 500 people.
  • Eliminates the state-established mandatory closing time for bars, restaurants, and food and beverage service at other places of public accommodation.

The second step begins on May 28. Remaining capacity and distancing limits will come to an end, including for indoor events and gatherings. The requirements that will remain include:

  • Face coverings indoors and for outdoor events that exceed 500 people.
  • There will be no new safety requirements for businesses, though they must maintain their plans to keep their employees and customers safe – as they have from the beginning of the pandemic – guided only by a minimal universal state guidance document.

The third step takes place once 70 percent of Minnesotans age 16 years and older – 3,087,404 Minnesotans – get at least one dose of the vaccine, but no later than July 1.

  • The remaining face covering requirement and the requirement for preparedness plans will end. Work on vaccines will continue, and local jurisdictions and entities may set their own mask policies.

Because the youngest Minnesotans are not yet eligible for the vaccine, the Safe Learning Plan for schools will continue until the end of the school year to protect students, teachers, and staff in schools.

Additional protections will remain, including the eviction moratorium, a ban on price gouging, and eligibility exemptions for people who receive state services. The State will continue its emergency efforts to get Minnesotans tested and vaccinated and will continue to monitor the virus and the growth of variants in the months to come.

Additionally, local jurisdictions and businesses may still require masks and have other requirements beyond July 1.

Minnesotans can visit VaccineConnector.mn.gov to make a vaccine appointment at a Community Vaccination Program site or use the Find Vaccine Locations map to locate a provider near them.

Executive Order 21-21 is effective immediately upon approval by the Minnesota Executive Council, which is made up of Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Secretary of State Steve Simon, and State Auditor Julie Blaha.

SV100 Race Report – Where the Prairies meet the Bluffs

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As race day fast approaches, this photo, taken recently at Masonic Park, reminds me to remind you that Spring Valley Minnesota is where “The Prairies meet the Bluffs.” Prairies to the west and Bluff Country to the east… the entire route, less start and finish, is east of the City of Spring Valley, who doesn’t love a good hill climb… or 21? When your epic SV100 journey takes you to the majestic bluff pictured, you can get ready to celebrate your personal victory as this bluff marks the base of the last major hill climb of the day. As always, we are looking forward to seeing you at the SV100 Start Line on the 5th of June, 8 a.m… bring a friend. Cheers!

SV100 Race Report – Picture yourself here.

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Here’s what you and your supporters need to know about Forestville. At the 67-mile mark of the SV100 route is Forestville State Park where you’ll find modern restrooms and plenty of shade. In past years, but not always, miracle coolers appear here, but don’t bank on it. First time visitors need to be aware there is no vehicle access to the picnic pavilion from the Historic Village North entrance, the bridge is perpetually closed and only open to foot/bike traffic; motorized vehicles planning to park at the picnic pavilion to cheer on their rider(s) will need to enter the Park from the South entrance. Please note: All vehicles must display a valid State Park Sticker/Pass to enter the State Park, one-day passes are available for $5 at the Ranger/Information Station at the South entrance. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon. Be safe!

Kiwanis Student Spotlight: Kylie Welch

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Parents: Bryan and Shannon Welch

Name: Kylie Welch

School Activities: National Honor Society, Student Council, Golf.

Activities/Work Outside of School: I work at a campground and golf course during the spring and summer. Outside of work, I like to spend time with my friends and family.

Your Favorite Class and Why? Anatomy and physiology because it’s always interested me to learn about how the human body works and because I plan to go into a medical field in the future so it prepares me for it.

Why is a Solid Education Important?  I think it is something that every person should be able to have. Having a good education is important because people are able to have the freedom of doing whatever they want in the future for a job and have the abilities and skills of doing something that interests them.

Immediate Plans After High School Graduation: Keep working at my job, spend lots and lots of time with my family and friends and go to college in the fall of this year.

Long-term Plans/Goals: Attend Winona State University in the fall for athletic training and hopefully graduate with my Bachelor’s degree and eventually go back for my Masters.

Note: The Spring Valley Kiwanis Club annually recognizes the top academic performers at Kingsland High School. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the plans to honor the students in person are still unknown. Typically, they attend a meeting of Kiwanis with their parents for recognition.

American Rescue Plan: Restaurant Revitalization Fund – Application Portal Opens May 3rd, 12:00 PM EST

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IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION AND UPDATES FROM THE SBA AS OF APRIL 28, 2021

When Congress passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), it included a $28.6 billion relief package earmarked for grants to restaurants called the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).  The American Rescue Plan Act became public law on March 11, 2021 and appropriated $28.6 billion for RRF, authorizing Small Business Association (SBA) to award funds.  Appropriations remain available until expended, and funds must be used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.  

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund supplies tax-free federal grants to eligible restaurant businesses equal to their COVID-19 pandemic-related revenue losses.  Fund grants do not need to be paid back.  Unlike the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was administered by lenders with the Small Business Administration (SBA) in the background, Fund will be administered directly by SBA.  The U.S. Small Business Administration said applicants for the Restaurant Revitalization Grant program do not need to register for a Data Universal Numbering System, or DUNS number—the unique nine-digit identifier for businesses—or on SAM.gov, as initially required.

About the Application Period & Processing   

Pilot Period: Pilot Period participants will be randomly selected from existing PPP borrowers who self identified as members of RRF priority groups. Pilot participants will not receive funds until RRF is open to the public at application launch.

Priority Period: Days 1-21 – During the initial 21-day Priority Period, SBA will accept applications from all eligible  applicants. Only applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and  economically disadvantaged Applicants will be funded during this period.

Day 22: All eligible applications will be processed and funded until program funds are exhausted.

A small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned and the management and daily business operations of the applicant are controlled by one or more individuals who are, Women, Veterans or Socially and Economically Disadvantaged.   Applicants must self-certify on the application that they meet eligibility
requirements.   EXAMPLE:  An applicant has five owners who each own 20 percent of the   applicant. Two owners are veterans, and one owner is a socially and economically disadvantaged individual. SBA will consider this applicant to meet the requirement  that at least 51 percent of the applicant is owned by a priority group.

Please find updated links and resources, including a sample application from the SBA listed below:

Overview of the RRF:  Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) – Restaurants Act

Program Guidelines: Restaurant Revitalization Funding Program: Program Guide as of April 17th, 2021 (sba.gov)

Frequently Asked Questions: faq_revitalization_grants.pdf (restaurant.org)

Sample Application: SBA Form 3172 Restaurant Revitalization Funding Application (Sample only)

SBA Webinar Presentation Slides:  Microsoft PowerPoint – RRF Overview Deck FINAL 4.27-508 (002) – Read-Only (akamaized.net)

Eligible businesses are encouraged work with their accountant to prepare the applications, gather required documentation, and to submit applications on May 3rd, or as soon as possible after the program opens.

Please contact Chris Hahn, Spring Valley EDA Director with any question at 612-327-9729 or email director@SpringValleyEDA.org

 

SV100 Race Report – 40 Days Away

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We’re 40 days and a wake-up away from the SV100 rollout from downtown Spring Valley. For those who are unfamiliar with the route, let me help manage expectations by stressing one of the cornerstones of the event, it is a self-supported race. This “pop” machine pictured at mile 76 in Cherry Grove is the only one you’ll see on the entire route, there are no convenience stores or gas stations for re-provisioning on the route without taking a detour along the way. The historic Forestville Village in the State Park, including the Village Store at mile 67, is under renovation and doesn’t reopen until July 1st. For those veterans of the event, you know gravel racers at this event can be a generous bunch, so if you miscalculated your nutritional needs, say something to a fellow rider before it becomes a crisis.