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Press Release

Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 Pandemic

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina

COLUMBIA, South Carolina --- U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that the Department of Justice is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local, and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The Department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.

“In light of this pandemic, these are especially dangerous times for our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “This funding program will allow our state and local partners access to critical funds as they continue the mission of protecting the people of South Carolina.”

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 January 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/.  

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U.S. Attorney McCoy is currently discussing the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to combat Coronavirus-related frauds and schemes with media members. To schedule an interview with U.S. Attorney McCoy, please call AUSA Derek A. Shoemake at 843-813-0982 or email him at Derek.Shoemake@usdoj.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.

Contact

Derek A. Shoemake (843) 813-0982

Updated April 7, 2020

Topic
Coronavirus