Justice Department Awards More Than $8 Million To Address COVID-19 Pandemic In Minnesota

U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced that the state of Minnesota received more than $8 million in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The grant, awarded to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation. In addition to these funds, more than $3.6 million in funds have been allocated to local jurisdictions within the District of Minnesota. Those jurisdictions can find out if they are eligible and apply by visiting the Bureau of Justice Assistance website at https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. The Justice Department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.

“These funds will provide additional resources for our dedicated public safety officials as they continue to selflessly serve the public during this pandemic,” said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “Additionally, these funds are designed to be flexible to support a wide range of initiatives and projects, including purchasing protective gear and supplies, to help keep our front line officers safe.”

“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 and distributing resources to hard-hit areas. Funds may also be used to help correctional facilities cover costs related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees and correctional personnel.

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. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations. For a list of all awards thus far, visit the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program webpage.

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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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600