Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

USDA Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program

The Connecticut Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety (SPRS) Block Grant Program reimbursed eligible seafood processors and wholesale dealers for certain expenses related to COVID-19.

Updates:

  • This grant is closed. All funds were disbursed among 7 eligible beneficiaries in Connecticut for reimbursable costs under this program.
  • Per USDA guidance: SPRS beneficiary funds received from this program are taxable.

Description:

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety (SPRS) Block Grant Program provided funds to assist seafood processors and wholesale dealers with expenses incurred in response to COVID-19. On February 14, 2022, the USDA officially announced grant awards to states for this program.

In November 2023, CT DEEP authorized $200,000 in payments to qualified eligible beneficiaries (seafood processors and dealers) to reimburse for costs in the following categories:

  • Workplace safety measures
  • Market pivots
  • Retrofitting facilities
  • Transportation
  • Worker housing
  • Medical services

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must meet the USDA definition of an eligible beneficiary.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be the owner of a seafood dealing or processing business in the state of Connecticut.
  • Must have records of eligible COVID-19-related expenses (listed above) incurred between January 27, 2020, and December 31, 2021, unique to business on the application.
  • Must not have applied for reimbursement under the USDA SPRS Block Grant from any other State, Tribe, or Territory.
  • Eligibility was not based on loss related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Application Process

  • CT DEEP developed an application for this program in coordination with industry partners.

  • CT DEEP made applications available on June 2, 2023. Applications were due to CT DEEP by June 30, 2023. Only one application per business was accepted.
  • There was a federal audit component to this grant opportunity. As such, following the application period, CT DEEP audited a subset of applicants to include documentation of the costs for which they requested reimbursement.
  • After applications were reviewed, CT DEEP authorized reimbursements and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission issued disbursement checks to each applicant.
  • Payments to eligible beneficiaries were issued in November 2023. The payments were based on eligible expenses received in SPRS applications, with a capped payment amount based on applications received and CT SPRS funds available.

Questions about this program can be directed to Colleen Bouffard, Program Specialist, Bureau of Natural Resources, at 860-424-3256 or colleen.bouffard@ct.gov

Content last updated on February 20, 2025