It’s called the Safest Outside Restaurant Assistance Program and the budget just got a little bigger — an extra $2 million, to be exact.

Earlier this week, Governor Doug Ducey announced the additional funding so that more local restaurants can apply for the program. It’s all meant to be used toward expanding outdoor dining, protecting those stopping by and grabbing a bite to eat, keeping the staff healthy, and limiting the spread of COVID-19.

“Many restaurants have utilized outdoor dining to welcome more customers while maintaining safety,” said Governor Ducey, “and we want to make sure our local restaurants have the opportunity to expand their outdoor seating.”

So, the program is designed to fund up to $10,000 for each restaurant that’s approved after the application process.

Since the program started in December, more than 260 restaurants all across Arizona have applied to the program and a little more than 110 have received funding.

Now that the program has an additional $2 million, more restaurants are encouraged to apply and have until Friday, March 5 to do so.

For more information about the Safest Outside Restaurant Assistance Program and how to apply for funding, visit azcommerce.com.