Some Kenai commercial fishers will be able to receive more CARES Act funds following a city council vote to expand the city’s existing financial relief program, which ended in August.

In addition to reopening the application window for almost the entire month of October, the city is doubling the individual grant amount from $1,000 to $2,000. The city will accept applications starting on Oct. 8 until Oct. 30 at 5 p.m.

Permit holders who received a grant during the last round of grants will automatically receive another $1,000 and do not need to submit another application.

In order to be eligible for a grant, applicants must be Kenai residents, be state commercial fisheries permit holders, have had at least $10,000 in landings on their permits in 2019 and must certify that their fishing income was affected by COVID-19. Crew members are not eligible to receive grants. Proof of landings can be either fish tickets for landings delivered on fisheries permits or a copy of post-season adjustment issued by the seafood buyer.

One grant will be awarded per individual, regardless of if they hold more than one permit.

New applications can be submitted on the city’s website, by mail or they can be dropped off at city hall.

More information is available on the city’s website.

Reach reporter at Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@gmail.com.