U.S. Attorney Brady Announces $45K Grant to Address COVID-19 Pandemic in the Borough of Wilkinsburg

PITTSBURGH - U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady today announced that the Borough of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, received $45,636 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. In addition, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has been awarded $17.6 million in grants that can be distributed to eligible governmental agencies throughout Pennsylvania, including western Pennsylvania. 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, which are not due until May 29, 2020.

From the moment these grants became available, U.S. Attorney Brady has dedicated staff to ensure that all eligible agencies in western Pennsylvania have the opportunity to apply and receive funds promptly. Since then, the Office has worked with eligible applicants to assist them in the grant process.

“The men and women on the front line of this pandemic deserve our deepest appreciation for answering the call to serve regardless of the danger,” U.S. Attorney Brady said. “The public safety funds being made available through DOJ’s Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program can be used for the most pressing needs of our state and local partners, including new hiring and overtime pay, training, critical personal protective equipment and supplies, and the medical needs of prisoners.”

Wilkinsburg Police Chief Ophelia Coleman said, “Because of this grant we will be able to equip our officers with much needed PPE and other equipment to help our carry out our daily responsibilities to protect and serve the residents and stakeholders in the Borough of Wilkinsburg during this unusual time."

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.

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.