West Virginia, COVID-19 Emergency Funds, West Virginia 2020

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – In a move to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is making $850 million available to public safety agencies in West Virginia. This funding comes as part of the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump.

U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia, is urging eligible agencies to apply for these funds. "We are facing a threat like we have not seen for decades. It is a nationwide threat. It is a community threat. This money will help our law enforcement community during these difficult times, and assist with public safety," Powell said.

The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. The 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.

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.

In the Northern District of West Virginia, there is more than $500,000 available to counties and cities, including Berkeley County, City of Clarksburg, Harrison County, Marion County, City of Martinsburg, Monongalia County, City of Morgantown, Ohio County, and City of Wheeling.

The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program is a top priority for the Office of Justice Programs, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award. For more information about the program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/department-justice-makes-850-million-available-help-public-safety-agencies-address