AS OF MARCH 22, 2023, WE CURRENTLY HAVE ALL GRANTS FUNDS COMMITTED. HOWEVER, WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS AND ADDING THEM TO A WAIT-LIST. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL FUNDS THAT COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE. 

2023 COVID-19 HVAC Replacement Grant Program

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Wabasha and its Port Authority is launching a program to help small, local businesses prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Coronavirus by making COVID-19 related improvements to their buildings and businesses, such as HVAC improvements that improve air circulation. Qualified applicants will demonstrate how their program improves air circulation. City of Wabasha city-limits only is eligible. The City of Wabasha has distributed $75,000 in grants to date to 7 businesses. It hopes to award an additional $180,000 to 10 more businesses. If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 651-565-4568.

Funding Source

Federal HUD Community Development Block Grant, through State of Minnesota, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

Funding Amounts

Up to $19,000 for businesses under 2500 square feet, up to $25,000 for businesses over 4500 square feet, with matching funds by business highly encouraged. but not required.

Application Period

Applications will be accepted until all funding is committed towards projects. Email applications to Cora Boelman cora.boelman@cedausa.org. CEDA has been engaged to support the City of Wabasha in administering this program. To complete an application, click here: HVAC Replacement Application-2023.

Basic Eligibility

  • For-profit business located in City of Wabasha with less than 50 employees. Non-profit organizations or government buildings are NOT eligible.
  • Must have a storefront building with customers that frequent the building and where improve airflow would help consumers.
  • Applicant is 51% + majority owner of business
  • Provide evidence that new HVAC system will help business respond to COVID-19
  • Not in bankruptcy, current with all local, state, and federal taxes, fees, and any other debt payments to the City of Wabasha
  • Since these are federal funds, obtain Unique Entity ID with sam.gov (federal government)

Eligible Costs

HVAC Replacement (labor and equipment), matching funds may be used towards other improvements that will help the business respond to COVID-19

Basic Terms

  • Funds will be disbursed directly to contractor after receiving evidence of completed work.
  • Obtain two bids and contractors must pay and track “Davis Bacon Wages” (minimum wage requirements).
  • Allow City of Wabasha to collect income and demographic data from applicants and their employees.
  • Requires City building permits are pulled and City Inspections.
  • Property owner must receive approval from the State Historical Society before beginning work.
  • Environmental Review by City before starting work.
  • Work completed within 6 months after receiving notice to proceed from City.
  • Complete registration with federal government to obtain Unique Entity ID at sam.gov: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

Application Process

An application can be found below. In addition to the application, the following documents are required:

  1. Most recent IRS 1040 Form
  2. Business operating agreement (for multiple owners)
  3. Income and conflict of interest self-certification form (included in the application)
  4. Liability insurance (or ability to obtain)
  5. Photographs of building, manufacturers specification sheet, map of project location, simple sketch, or conceptual drawings

Application Review

Applicants will be reviewed on a first come first save basis based on project readiness.