Salem Targets Federal COVID-19 Funds Toward Workforce Recovery

SALEM, MA — Salem will dedicate nearly $1 of its federal American Recovery Plan Act funding toward the economic recovery of small businesses and worker support services.

That is on top of $750,000 in additional federal funding that Mayor Kim Driscoll's Office said has also been committed to the same purpose.

Nearly $500,000 will go toward a worker retention program, $270,000 will go toward capital costs for outdoor dining, $150,000 will go toward support for festivals and special events, $63,100 will go toward a workforce development program for culinary and hospitality workers, and an additional $35,000 will go to an outdoor dining grant program and

"Throughout the pandemic Salem had no net loss of businesses and today our local unemployment rate is below the pre-pandemic level," Driscoll aid. "This kind of success is only possible through thoughtful planning, intentional and strategic actions, and close, constructive partnerships with our businesses, workers, and those who support them."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)