COVID-19 News Round-up for April 3rd

Budget & Stimulus News

CARES Act Business Tax Incentives 

The historic $2T stimulus package known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, aka The CARES Act, provides economic stimulus for the devastation resulting from the spread of COVID-19. Here are some of the Act’s business-related tax relief measures. (Source: Snell & Wilmer) 

EPA Enforcement Policy Review 

EPA announced a temporary policy on March 26th regarding enforcement of environmental legal obligations. In general, EPA does not expect to seek penalties for violations of routine compliance monitoring, integrity testing, sampling, laboratory analysis, training, and reporting or certification obligations in situations where EPA agrees that COVID-19 was the cause of the noncompliance and the entity provides supporting documentation to EPA upon request. (Source: Snell & Wilmer) 

Economic News 

Pandemic Won’t Derail Phoenix Growth 

Thomas Brophy of Colliers International tells GlobeSt.com the COVID-19 pandemic likely won’t derail Phoenix growth. “The economic drivers that have kept Phoenix at the top of job and population growth are still in place.” (Source: GlobeSt.com) 

Ducey Asks for Major Disaster Declaration 

Governor Doug Ducey has asked President Donald Trump to issue a formal “major disaster” declaration for Arizona. The move could enable to state to get more federal funds for its relief efforts in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. (Source: AZCentral) 

Fixr Blog Publishes Impact Survey 

To help determine the effect of this economic slowdown on the construction industry, Fixr reached out to 35 industry experts to get their take on how their business is impacted, and what their thoughts are for the future. (Source: Fixr) 

Arizona Republic Examines Depth of Downturn 

The Arizona Republic has questioned a variety of public officials and business leaders to develop a real-time assessment of current thoughts on the likely extent of the COVID-19-related economic downturn. (Source: AZCentral) 

Resources 

Arizona Transportation Builders Assn. Issues Checklist 

ATBA has provided a good basic checklist for employers and employees of transportation and construction firms. Additionally, a sample toolbox talk guide is available. (Source: ATBA) 

Valley Partnership Updates Resource List 

Valley Partnership has updated its Coronavirus Resources for Arizona Businesses Page. Check back frequently for the latest news and information. (Source: Valley Partnership) 

Rio Nuevo Updates SBA Loan Assistance 

Rio Nuevo is providing help to alleviate pressures of the SBA loan completion process with free assistance in navigating the Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Program. These loans help cover payroll costs, paid sick leave, employee salaries, health insurance premiums, rent, utilities, and mortgage interest payments. (Source: Rio Nuevo) 

APWA and Small Giants Both Launch Resources Pages  

APWA has developed a Coronavirus and the Public Works Community resource webpage featuring information and links broken down into three categories: Resources, News, and Share Your Experience. In a similar vein, PR firm Small Giants has launched AECRE Connect to facilitate interaction, discussion and resource sharing between industry professionals. (Sources: APWA and Phoenix Business Journal)