Question 16
Are PPP loans over $1 million that are also in low- or moderate-income geographies or in distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies automatically considered to be community development activities? (new FAQ added March 8, 2021)
Response 16
Yes, a PPP loan greater than $1 million in one of these geographies will be considered an eligible community development activity. Pursuant to the Interagency Questions and Answers Regarding Community Reinvestment(8), activities that revitalize or stabilize a low- or moderate-income geography or a distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geography help to attract new, or retain existing, jobs, businesses, or residents. The PPP was enacted and signed into law in order to support smaller businesses and retain jobs.
(8) See https://www.ffiec.gov/cra/qnadoc.htm.
Originally published in the “Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Consideration for Activities in Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)” on May 27, 2020 and updated on March 8, 2021 by the Board of Govenors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.