Grant funds awarded to local businesses

RITZVILLE – The Adams County Development Council is raising money for grants to offset the coronavirus impact on small businesses.

Fundraising manager Janis Rountree said the decision to create the grant came after local officials realized the state’s Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant would not have enough money to help all the local businesses in need.

Adams County’s share of that statewide program is only $79,295, and by state rules, they can only submit 32 applications for funding consideration.

“Within 48 hours, we had 70 applicants for the state grant,” Rountree said. “We...