Georgia agency receives nearly $16 million to respond to public safety challenges from COVID-19

Criminal Justice Coordinating Council will manage distribution of funds

The state of Georgia has been awarded $15,840,333 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The grant, announced by Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine, was awarded to the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent $850 million stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. Additional funds have been allocated for local jurisdictions in Georgia, including $750,000 targeted to agencies in the Southern District. The Justice Department is moving quickly to award grants on a rolling basis with the aim of having funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.

“This infusion of funding will enhance the ability of our state and local first responders amid the challenges created by the novel coronavirus pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We welcome the opportunity to assist these hard-working front-line public safety partners.”

“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, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.

Southern District communities targeted for the grants can find more information here.
Any Georgia cities or counties not specifically listed can find updated information from the CJCC here.

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.