RIFLE—Several Rifle business owners were able to keep their doors open during the COVID-19 outbreak and shutdown thanks to federal emergency loans. Katie Mackley with Rifle Regional Economic Development Corporation (RREDC) handled the distribution of the loans for the city. She says the first round of loans and grants through the CARES Act was completed June 10th. The city had $100,00.00 to work with. Mackley says $77,000.00 in loans went to 39 business owners that were very grateful. Mackley says a check for the remaining $23,000.00 was returned to the city. She says in the second round of CARES Act loans, they have processed a dozen applications for just over $42,000.00. As for other businesses needing financial help, they should know more in the next couple of weeks.
