Knoxville, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the
Eastern District of Tennessee today announced that Greene County Sheriff’s
office received $32,024 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the
public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant is available under the Coronavirus Emergency
Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation
signed by President Trump. Other
jurisdictions can determine if they are eligible for funds and may apply
immediately by visiting this website.
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.
“As this country continues to fight COVID-19, our office
remains committed to deterring, investigating, and prosecuting those who seek
to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This funding will help many of the communities struggling in these
trying times and provide some much-needed relief to our district,” said U.S.
Attorney Overbey.
“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 using
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 eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the
emergency funding. Local units of
government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their
jurisdictions’ allocations.
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 www.ojp.gov
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