The Department may receive State funds and, directly or indirectly, federal funds under the authority of legislation passed in response to the Coronavirus epidemic including, but not limited to, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, P.L. 117-2 (the “ARPA Act”); such funds shall be used in accordance with the ARPA Act legislation and published guidance. Upon receipt or availability of such State or federal funds, and subject to appropriations for their use, the Department shall administer a program to provide financial assistance to qualifying businesses that have experienced interruption of business, incurred debt, or experienced other adverse conditions as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Support may be provided directly by the Department to businesses and organizations or in cooperation with a qualified partner. Financial assistance may include, but is not limited to, grants, expense reimbursements, or subsidies.
     From appropriations for the program, the Department shall provide financial assistance through grants, expense reimbursements, or subsidies to qualifying businesses or a qualified partner to cover expenses, debt, or losses incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The program shall reimburse costs, debt, or losses incurred by qualifying businesses due to business interruption or other adverse conditions caused by closures, loss of revenues, or efforts to contain the pandemic.
     The Department may establish by rule administrative procedures for the grant program, including any application procedures, grant agreements, certifications, payment methodologies, and other accountability measures that may be imposed upon participants in the program. The emergency rulemaking process may be used to promulgate the initial rules of the grant program.