Lassen County receives grant to address COVID-19 pandemic
U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced Department of Justice grants have been allocated to various cities and counties in the Eastern District of California to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grants, available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, were authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. Some local jurisdictions have already received the funds and the funds for others will be forthcoming.
According to the Scott’s statement, Lassen County received $58,008. California cities and counties will receive a combined total of $1,243,492 in grants.
“These Department of Justice grant awards will assist cities and counties across the Eastern District of California,” said 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.”
“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 for 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.”
The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at ojp.gov .