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Due to the Public Health Emergency, SWRPC's physical offices are closed to the public. We remain available via telephone and email. Please call us at 603-357-0557 or click the "About", "Contact Staff" tab located in the upper left of this screen for a list of staff email addresses.
Stay safe. Stay well.
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| Plan for Ashuelot Rail Trail: A Pilot Project |
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Highlights Newsletter |
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The Regional Public Involvement Plan for Southwest New Hampshire has been adopted and released. To view the plan, please click here. |
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For NH planning events, see the NH Office of Strategic Initiatives Events Calendar. |
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To learn about Monadnock Region Future: A Plan for Southwest New Hampshire visit. |
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To learn about the Greater Keene Air Quality Education and Outreach Campaign visit. |
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To learn about the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant decommissioning process visit. |
Discover more about COVID-19 Information and Resources
In order to assist Monadnock Region municipalities, businesses, and other community members, SWRPC is compiling information and resources related to managing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We'll continue to update this page as new information and resources become available. A guide "5 Things Communities Can Do Now To Prepare for Recovery" is avalable here.
For general public health information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC's COVID-19 information page. For State of New Hampshire public health updates, please refer to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 page.
Many of the resources referenced on this page have been discussed during online information sessions organized by SWRPC. For online info session recordings, visit our Youtube playlist here.
Municipalities
Grant Opportunities for NH Municipalities
A list of municipal grant opportunities assembled by Cheshire County.
NHMA COVID-19 Resource Page for Municipalities
The New Hampshire Municipal Association is actively adding content to its COVID-19 municipal resource page. Of particular note is NHMA's guidance on Governor-issued executive orders that affect municipal operations.
Remote Public Meetings in a Time of COVID-19
A webinar presented by UNH Cooperative Extension and the NH Municipal Association on conducting remote public meetings.
Hosting a Virtual Meeting, Best Practices
UNH Cooperative Extension has developed guidance and best practices for municipalities and other organizations interested in hosting virtual meetings. For those new to Zoom and other web conferencing platforms, this page may be a good place to begin familiarizing yourself with how to host effective online meetings.
Example Local Actions from Across the Country
Municipalities across the country are developing unique strategies for responding to the COVID-19 emergency. The National League of Cities is compiling a database of notable measures, which municipalities may want to reference for ideas. The database can be filtered by state.
Businesses
A CARES Act-funded state program aimed at providing financial relief to NH small businesses. Eligible businesses will have generated less than $20 million of revenue during the 2019 tax year. Pre-application forms are due by May 29, 2020.
COVID-19 Resources for NH Businesses
NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs is continually updating its information clearinghouse for NH businesses seeking information about COVID-19 resources. Check here for links to various aid programs available to NH businesses.
NH Business and Industry Association COVID-19 Resource Page
A collection of COVID-19 resources for businesses and employers, including a lineup of pertinent webinars.
SBA Coronavirus Relief Options
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a variety of funding options to address the economic impact of COVID-19 on small businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan program that incentivizes employers to keep their workers on payroll. The EIDL program offer small businesses up to $10k in a loan advance. For more info about these and other SBA programs, contact the SBA NH District Office.
Businesses that need help navigating relief programs or related consultation can request assistance through the Keene Regional Office of the NH Small Business Development Center.
U.S. CARES Act - Info for Small Businesses
The U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (U.S. CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020 and provides for a variety of business relief programs. The U.S. Senate Committee for Small Business and Entrepreneurship has developed an overview of small business-related provisions in the law, as well as an FAQ.
Non-Profit Organizations
The NH CDFA, in coordination with the NH Business Finance Authority, has launched the NH Non-Profit Response Fund, which will provide support to NH non-profit organizations, with an emphasis on community development organizations andorganizations working on the front lines of the pandemic. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, working capital, equipment purchases, and program expenses. The fund will provide support through low-interest loans that may be eligible for partial forgiveness.
Individuals and Families
Individuals who have been laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for unemployment benefits through NH Workforce Connect portal. NH residents should note that Emergency Order 5, issued by Governor Sununu, expands eligibility for unemployment benefits to self-employed individuals.
Economic Impact Payments, What You Need to Know
Under the US CARES Act, individuals and families of certain income levels are eligible for direct payments from the federal government. The IRS has developed a resource page for individuals interested in more information. Most individuals who have filed taxes in the last two years will not need to take any action in order to receive payments. The IRS has indicated that it will soon create an online portal for individuals who have not provided direct deposit information on past returns but would like to do so in order to receive direct payments more quickly.
The Monadnock RSVP Volunteer Center provides a variety of ideas for Monadnock Region community members interested in contributing to the community effort being mounted in response to COVID-19.
The Monadnock United Way has launched a campaign to help meet the basic needs of Monadnock Region children and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Multi-Sector Resources
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
USDA Rural Development will open another round of its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program, expected to begin on April 14, 2020. The program funds equipment purchases, network improvements, and other activities that improve distance learning and telemedicine capabilities. Eligible entities include local governments, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses.
USDA COVID-19 Federal Rural Reource Guide
This resource matrix, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. The matrix includes resources for local governments, businesses, non-profit organizations, and others.