Central Illinois Public Safety Agencies Eligible to Receive $1.73 Million in Emergency Funds to Address COVID-19 Pandemic

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Twenty jurisdictions in Central Illinois are eligible to apply for $1.73 million in emergency funding announced today by the Department of Justice. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, makes $850 million available to state, local and tribal governments across the country to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. Eligible jurisdictions may apply immediately and the department is moving quickly toward the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.

“Partnerships are crucial in these uncertain times and these funds are available to assist our front-line law enforcement officers and public safety professionals who continue to respond to the call of duty regardless of the risks they face,” stated U.S. Attorney John Milhiser. “We are committed to supporting them and maintaining public safety and the rule of law during this crisis.”

The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.

Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this 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 about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.