Effective March 23, 2020

On March 12, 2020, Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In the Declaration of State of Emergency Due to Novel Coronavirus, Executive Order 51, the governor directed state agencies to render appropriate assistance to prepare for and mitigate the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. In doing so, he ordered authorization for the heads of executive branch agencies, on behalf of their regulatory boards as appropriate, and with the concurrence of their cabinet secretary, to waive any state requirement or regulation.

The Enterprise Zone Grant Program Regulations (13VAC5-112) currently require submission of grant applications in hard copy format by April 1 of each year. Under current state and federal guidelines and requirements, many employees and workplaces have transitioned to a virtual workspace, making hard copy submission of applications challenging. Further, many businesses that would typically seek application for Enterprise Zone grants have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 developments.

Pursuant to the authority granted to the agency head by Executive Order 51 (2020), I hereby waive the requirement that Enterprise Zone Grant Program applications be submitted in hard copy format. This waiver shall take effect on March 23, 2020, and shall remain in full force and in effect until June 10, 2020, unless sooner amended or rescinded by further executive order. 

Electronic applications will continue to be submitted through the Enterprise Zone application portal and all other documentation must be submitted via email to Ezone@dhcd.virginia.gov. This documentation must include:

• All parts of the EZ RPIG or JCG with appropriate signatures
• Applicable supplemental documents with signatures
• Placed in Service Documentation
• Attestation

Electronic applications and all electronically submitted supplemental documentation noted above must be received no later than 11:59 p.m., April 1, 2020. DHCD is maintaining the current deadline for electronic submissions to ensure funding reaches businesses as soon as possible.
 

Erik C. Johnston

Director, Department of Housing and Community Development