To the Editor:

As communities are hit by this pandemic there are many uncertainties. Most of these boil down to economic instability.

With most of the North Country relying on seasonal businesses in order to make enough money to cover the year, many people are worried. As of right now New York State is doing very well with the virus but will that change with an influx of the city population to Upstate New York. The natural beauty of the 21st District draws people from all over the state like a magnet. But this magnet might not be as strong this year.

That means that many small businesses will not have the income and may need to shutter their businesses. Recently, Congresswoman Stefanik announced a major CARES Assistance grant for the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. The Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board got a grant of $400,000. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe received $150,000.

This money is coming from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and is meant to fortify community programs. This money will directly benefit communities hard hit by the virus.

Congresswoman Stefanik has always fought for the North Country. This direct assistance to communities shows that she cares about the resiliency of the people, and the towns.

This is a comforting thing to hear about as she uses her power to help towns, and the people that live in them.

Griffin Feeny

St. Lawrence University student