Department of Justice Awards More Than $20 Million to State and Local Governmental Entities in Northern Illinois to Address COVID-19 Pandemic

CHICAGO — John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced that state and local governmental entities in northern Illinois received more than $20 million in Department of Justice grants to respond to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grants were made pursuant to the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, which was authorized by recent legislation signed by President Trump.  Additional grants are expected to be made soon.  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, and distributing resources to hard-hit areas.  Funds may also be used to help correctional facilities cover costs related to the virus, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention, and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees, and correctional personnel.

“These substantial federal funds will provide crucial resources to northern Illinois agencies working to keep people safe during the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch.  “The Justice Department is committed to helping offset the tremendous costs incurred by our state and local partners in the fight against COVID-19.”

The recipients and awards announced today are as follows:

    Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority: $19,956,148

    Winnebago County: $58,008

    City of Calumet City: $54,203

    Will County: $32, 313

For a list of all awards across the country thus far, visit the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program webpage.

The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.  Local jurisdictions can determine if they are eligible and apply immediately by visiting the website of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

“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 OJP.  “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.”

OJP 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 www.ojp.gov.