Office Of Justice Programs Awards Nearly $42 Million To Texas To Address Covid-19 Pandemic

          WASHINGTON –The Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs announced today that it has awarded nearly $42 million to the state of Texas to use for public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. 

          The grant to the Texas Department of Justice is among the first to be awarded through the $850 million available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. This program allows eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. OJP is moving quickly, aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving an application.

           “The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering    reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping the citizens of Texas safe.”

          The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs. 

          The solicitation, posted by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, will remain open for at least 60 days. As a top priority, OJP will fund successful applicants on a rolling basis as it receives 

applications. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal rules.

          Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.

          For more information, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.