Businesses across Mississippi’s capital city continue to feel the stress of the ongoing water crisis in Jackson, leaving many to temporarily close shop within the past two weeks due to the unsteady status of the water pressure.
As for the businesses that remained open, most acquired a large bill after being forced to purchase bottled water, canned drinks, paper goods, and bagged ice for customers. Other areas such as daycare centers were forced to limit or eliminate services due to the lack of an ability to sanitize facilities properly.
Governor Tate Reeves is aiming to alleviate some of the strain felt by restaurants in the Jackson area by requesting a Small Business Administrative Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Monday.
“Jackson businesses have been hit incredibly hard by the ongoing water crisis,” Reeves said. “They have shown their resilience and their commitment to this city throughout the years, and my administration will continue to do everything it can to support them during this difficult time.”
The declaration request is specifically for businesses only as the request involves an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan for Hinds County.
Reeves’ declaration comes days after Visit Jackson announced a grant program that will provide monetary relief to restaurants across the capital city that have experienced a financial strain from COVID-19 and the water crisis.
Details of the program can be found here.
Grant program announced to aid Jackson restaurants amid water crisis
