Eastern District counties, cities receive $8.3M in COVID-19 grants

Local agencies in the Central Valley received $8.3 million in grants to help offset pandemic-related public safety challenges, from purchasing protective equipment to giving medical aid to inmates housed in state, local and tribal lockups.

The money is made available from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, which was authorized by the stimulus legislation signed by the White House in April. Money for other federal jurisdictions in the state will be coming soon, the Department of Justice said Thursday.

"These Department of Justice grant awards will assist cities and counties across the Eastern District of California," said U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott. "We are greatly encouraged by this infusion of critical funding to support first responders like law enforcement, firefighters and medical professionals protecting communities during the coronavirus pandemic."

Money is intended to go towards hiring personnel, paying employees overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to affected areas and medical attention for detainees and correctional personnel.

Fresno County, the city of Fresno and three other cities in Fresno County will receive a total of $1 million. Kern County, Bakersfield and three other cities in Kern County will also get $1 million.

Sacramento County, the city of Sacramento and three other cities in Sacramento County will receive a total of $1.7 million. San Joaquin County, Stockton and two other cities in San Joaquin County will receive a total of $1.2 million.

Other jurisdictions in the state also received emergency funding, including the cities of Hayward, Emeryville, Gilroy and Bell, according to the data provided Thursday by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The grants are among the most recent to be awarded from the $850 million available.

"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 Katharine T. Sullivan, principal deputy assistant attorney general with the Office of Justice Programs. "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 citizens safe."

Agencies that were eligible for Fiscal 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Applications are being accepted until May 29.

More information is available at https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.