Fort Worth, Texas – Nearly two months after the explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel in downtown Fort Worth, businesses in the vicinity may soon receive assistance from the city. The blast on January 8th injured nearly two dozen people, causing damage to nearby structures and disrupting normal operations.
In response to the impact on local businesses, the Fort Worth Economic Development Department announced plans to offer support through a small business disaster-recovery stimulus program. A fund of $250,000 was allocated to assist affected businesses, with each eligible business able to apply for grants of up to $50,000.
Assistant Director Ori Fernandez outlined the criteria for businesses to qualify for the program, including having a physical location, being operational for at least six months prior to the explosion, and demonstrating a decrease in revenue or employment due to the blast. The economic development department identified five businesses as high-priority recipients for the funds, with others in the area also encouraged to apply.
Applications will be reviewed and approved by the economic development department, with funds expected to be distributed by the end of April. Recipients will be required to provide documentation on how the funds were utilized within six months of receiving the grant.
Despite ongoing investigations into the cause of the explosion, contractors were granted permits in early February to commence cleanup operations. While Atmos Energy, the gas provider linked to the building, has denied involvement in the blast, legal disputes and lawsuits against several parties, including the building owners and gas provider, continue.
Business owners in the affected area expressed gratitude for the support program, with some already planning to use the grant money for repairs and operational expenses. City officials and residents look forward to the restoration of the impacted businesses and the revitalization of the surrounding area following the devastating incident.