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Source: USDA, 9/23/21 The
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
today announced the publication of a Request for
Applications (RFA) for the Seafood Processor Pandemic
Response and Safety (SPRS) Block Grant Program. The SPRS
grant program will provide approximately $50 million in assistance
to seafood processing facilities and processing vessels through block
grants to State agencies. USDA allocated funding
to certain U.S. states and territories based on a formula that
considers economic activity as demonstrated through commercial fisheries
landings, as detailed in the RFA. This program is funded by
the Pandemic Assistance provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of
2021. Once USDA has awarded
funds, state agencies will then provide funds to seafood processing facilities
and processing vessels. Seafood processors and processing vessels would then
apply directly through their state agency. A listing of state contacts will be
made available on the USDA website. Tribal government owned
eligible entities may apply directly to USDA, details of which will be
developed through tribal consultation in conjunction with Office of Tribal
Relations. Eligible state agencies
must apply for funding by 11:59 pm EDT on November 22,
2021. Applications received after the due date will be subject to the AMS' - Policy on Late Applications (pdf). AMS will offer technical assistance to
states through a webinar in October 2021.
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