 Applications are now open for the Saint Paul Bridge Fund, which will provide emergency relief for families and small businesses most impacted by COVID-19. Apply by April 19 at 5 p.m. at stpaul.gov/bridge-fund.
Grant Application Guidelines and Process
Saint Paul families and small businesses who qualify for grant funding can submit applications online beginning today through April 19, 2020 at 5 p.m.
- There is no cost to apply, and grants given to families and businesses will not need to be repaid. Small businesses may apply for $7,500 grants, and Saint Paul families with minor children may apply for $1,000 grants.
- Applications cannot be accepted in person or through the mail. Applicants without access to a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone can apply by phone at 651-266-6565, subject to submission of necessary documentation.
- All eligible applications will have an equal chance of receiving a grant. No preference will be given based on when an application was received during the open application period (April 8-April 19 at 5 p.m.).
- Only one application per family or small business is required.
- Duplicate applications will be removed and will not increase the chance of receiving a grant.
- All grant requests will be considered and reviewed.
- Eligible grants will then be placed into a lottery system to be distributed.
- Additional support for individuals who have questions, need additional assistance to apply by phone, do not have access to the internet, or need language interpretation is available via phone during business hours, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. by calling 651-266-6565.
Eligibility for Families
Grants to residents are targeted to ensure families can remain in secure and stable housing. Eligible families include those who:
- Live in Saint Paul;
- Have incomes at or below 40% of area median income (or $40,000 annually for a family of four) before a COVID-19-related change in employment;
- Have at least one minor child under 18 present in the household; and
- Have experienced a significant loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility for Small Businesses
Eligible businesses are defined as independent, for profit, which are retail-oriented and rely upon customer purchases for revenues. In addition, they must have:
- A physical location within Saint Paul, in operation for at least the last three months;
- Gross annual revenues of $2 million or less; and
- Documentation that revenues have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 pandemic.
The small business grants may be used for immediate business expenses including but not limited to rent or mortgage payments, employee health benefits, leave payroll and payroll, and payments to suppliers.
Additional resources
Bridge Fund FAQ for Families and Small Businesses
Saint Paul Bridge Fund applications are open until Sunday, April 19 at 5 p.m.
Click the program titles below to be taken to the online application page.
 Click the photo above to read the Pioneer Press Article: Here's Why Walz Extended Stay-at-Home to May 4th and What He Says It Gets Us.
In short:
Everyone: Stay-at-home until May 4, except essential workers. Don't congregate.
Businesses: Remain closed, unless deemed "critical," until May 4. Some businesses and activities might be allowed to resume sooner.
Restaurants and bars: Carry-out and delivery only until May 4.
Schools: Closed (distance learning only) until May 4. Walz said "unlikely" they'll reopen then, but possible.
After May 4: We'll see.
I know that many of you are wondering about the CARES Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law in late March. Here's what you should know:
DEED authorized the first payments of the temporary additional compensation of $600/week for people receiving unemployment benefits. You don't need to contact us or do anything additional; if you receive unemployment you will also automatically receive an additional $600 for every week you remain eligible.
- The first week for which you can get the additional $600 is the week beginning March 29th.
- You can request the week of March 29th on or after April 5th.
- We are waiting on further federal guidance on two additional parts of the CARES Act and will provide updates as soon as we have more information, including:
- A new benefit program for some independent contractors and self-employed people who are unemployed as a result of COVID-19 and who are NOT eligible for regular unemployment benefits.
- The 13-week unemployment benefit extension.
We have seen an increase in demand for use of our recreational amenities and expect that trend to continue as we approach summer. We cannot ensure social distancing is maintained, so out of concern for public safety and in alignment with Governor Walz orders, we have made the decision to close the following amenities until further notice:
- Playgrounds
- All sports courts, including tennis, basketball and volleyball
- Skate parks
For more information regarding Parks and Recreation click the photo below.
Artist Relief is an initiative organized by the Academy of American Poets, Artadia, Creative Capital, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, MAP Fund, National YoungArts Foundation, and United States Artists—all small to mid-sized national arts grantmakers—that have come together in this unprecedented moment guided by the understanding that the wellbeing of artists has financial, professional, social, and mental dimensions, and should be fostered with a holistic framework of support.
As such, Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; serve as an ongoing informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists moving forward.
For information on how to apply click the photo below.
Change is coming to Como Lake. On Monday, April 13, the herbicide Fluridone will be applied to the lake to combat an invasive aquatic plant called curly-leaf pondweed.
There are no contact restrictions with Fluridone, so visitors, pets, and wildlife do not need to avoid the water during the application. It will be applied from a boat over the course of one day. Signs will be posted around the lake to notify visitors.
Curly-leaf pondweed thrives in murky water. It begins growing beneath the ice, giving it a competitive advantage over native plants, and starts to decay in late June. The decaying plants fuel algae growth. Excess algae cause the lake to become green and occasionally smelly. Controlling curly-leaf pondweed is critical for restoring balance in the lake.
To read more about the alum treatment click the photo below.
This week we made a strong statement: Hate has no place in Saint Paul. We stand in solidarity with our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities against xenophobia and racism.
Wash your hands, stay at home and don't forget to find ways to connect with one another. We are in this together.
Hang in there everyone.
Click the photo below to watch our video statement.
 
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