Dear Chanhassen Residents,

 
You have likely heard about the CARES ACT funding being distributed to local units of government throughout Minnesota. The City of Chanhassen was allocated $1,978,887 which is to be used solely on COVID-19 related expenditures. It cannot be used on lost revenue, infrastructure projects, or to supplement the city’s General Fund. After conducting a facilities audit and review, the City Council voted last week to allocate the funds to the following projects:

For the safety of both our residents and employees, we will be upgrading our HVAC systems at City Hall & Senior Center, the Chanhassen Library, Chanhassen Recreation Center, and our Public Works building. Knowing that clean air is paramount to a healthy environment regardless of “what” virus is circulating, improving our air circulation system with these upgrades will improve the overall well-being of those who work in or visit our facilities. 

Improvements will also be made to make more points of contact “touchless” to lessen the transmission of germs being spread. 

 
Small Business Grants
Recognizing the importance of Chanhassen’s small businesses, we have created Chanhassen’s first-ever grant program. The grants will be in amounts up to $10,000 for any COVID-related expenditures that a business has incurred. We know that times have been challenging, so we wanted to provide additional support. We are working with Carver County to administer the program so businesses will only need to fill out one application for funds. For program details and the link to apply: Small Business Grants Flyer.

The CARES ACT monies must be used by November 15, 2020. I am proud of our City Council for investing in upgrading our facilities, which, in turn protects the health and well-being of our employees and residents as well as creating a grant program to support the small businesses that are an integral part of Chanhassen.
 
With further questions, please contact me at eryan@ci.chanhassen.mn.us.
 
Warmest Regards,
Elise Ryan