Grimy Times has learned that the U.S. government is releasing $19 million in grant opportunities to Western Pennsylvania to help public safety agencies respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds, part of a $850 million package, will be distributed to the Counties of Allegheny, Blair, Cambria, Erie and Indiana; the Cities of Pittsburgh, Altoona, Erie, Johnstown and McKeesport; as well as Indiana Borough, Wilkinsburg Borough and Penn Hills Township.
According to U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady, $1,412,067 of the funds will be allocated to these agencies. In addition, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is eligible for up to $17.6 million in grants that can be distributed to eligible governmental agencies throughout Pennsylvania.
“The men and women on the front line of this pandemic deserve our deepest appreciation for answering the call to serve regardless of the danger,” U.S. Attorney Brady said. “The public safety funds being made available can be used for the most pressing needs of our state and local partners, including new hiring and overtime pay, training, critical personal protective equipment and supplies, and the medical needs of prisoners.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, 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.
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.
This is not the first time the government has stepped in to aid law enforcement in Western Pennsylvania. In previous years, the government has provided funding for various initiatives, including the Western Pennsylvania High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
The government’s decision to provide funding for COVID-19 relief is a welcome move for law enforcement agencies in Western Pennsylvania, who have been on the front lines of the pandemic response. The funding will help to ensure that these agencies have the resources they need to keep their communities safe.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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