U.S. Department of Justice awards $6 million grant to New Mexico Department of Public Safety as part of Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program

             ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The United States Department of Justice has awarded $6,059,069 to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus across the state.

            “The COVID-19 pandemic presents many urgent public safety challenges for New Mexico and its citizens,” said U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson.  “I am thankful to the Office of Justice Programs for making these grant funds available to our state during these challenging times.”

            “As the State Administering Agency we have been working diligently to reach out to all eligible agencies to apply for funding under this grant,” said Mark R. Shea, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. “We anticipate the review and approval of applications will be completed by the end of next week. We look forward to working closely with the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Anderson to efficiently distribute these funds to meet the critical needs of New Mexico agencies working to keep their communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

            The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded the grant on May 6.  The funds are available for projects and initiatives involving law enforcement and medical personnel, including overtime, equipment, hiring, supplies, training, travel expenses, and addressing medical needs at prisons, jails, and other detention centers.  The grant is part of the nationwide Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program designed to assist states, local governments, and tribes in managing COVID-19 in their communities.