Grant Application Available for WI Lodging Program & 25% Capacity Restrictions Back in Place
October 19, 2020
Dear WH&LA Members,
The Wisconsin Department of Administration has released the application and updated details on the COVID-19 Lodging Grant Program. The following updates are important as you navigate through the application process.
Applications are now open. You will need to submit the online application, Appendix A which lists all of the properties you are requesting relief for along with an attestation section, and Appendix B which is an IRS W-9 form.
A webinar on the program has been scheduled by DOA for Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 2:00 PM. Information to access the webinar has been posted to the grant program site.
The deadline to apply has been extended until 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 28, 2020.
For applicants with multiple properties: WH&LA asked for clarification on who should be submitting for multiple properties under the same application. At this time we would advise that any properties with the same ownership should apply in this fashion. For others with a more complicated ownership structure, it may be to your advantage to wait until Wednesday’s webinar, as we have been told that they will address it. The DOA has advised that the goal of combining properties onto one application is to streamline the application process.
While we aren’t privy to the formulas they will use to administer the funds, we do hope that even the smallest of awards will play a part in helping our industry recover from this crisis. Of course we are still working with AHLA at the Federal level in calling for more support for Wisconsin’s lodging community. WH&LA staff is happy to assist in any way we can as you apply for this relief. The state has also set up the email address of DOACOVIDLodgingGrants@wisconsin.gov to respond to any questions about the program.
In other important news today, a County Judge has reinstated Gov. Evers’ orders to limit capacity of gatherings to 25% occupancy. After the original order came out, WH&LA received further clarification from the state indicating that guest rooms are not subject to these restrictions as they are not public spaces. However, pools, fitness rooms, and other areas open to guests are restricted to 25% of the occupancy level. Weddings that are not open to the public are private "invite only" events, so the restrictions do not apply.
We will continue to keep you apprised on both of these situations as we see changes. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.
