Mississippi public safety agencies can receive almost $3 million of the $850 million available from the U.S. Department of Justice to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi announced Wednesday 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.
"These funds will go directly to our local and tribal governments in order for them to secure essential supplies and equipment necessary to keep our citizens safe," Hurst said. "I can think of no better way to fight this pandemic than to get this money out quickly and directly to our men and women on the front lines fighting this global crisis in our communities."
'This is an unprecedented moment in our nation's history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals," said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. "We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents."
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs, 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.