Gov. Abbott Announces $38M In Federal COVID-19 Emergency Funding For Local Governments

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott Wednesday announced that his Public Safety Office (PSO) will provide $38 million in federal funds to local units of government in Texas.

These funds come from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program authorized by the federal Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations Act.

Jurisdictions may use this funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.

Allowable projects and purchases include, but are not limited to, overtime, equipment, supplies, training, travel expenses, and addressing the medical needs of inmates in local and tribal jails and detention centers.

“These funds will help our local governments respond to COVID-19 and provide the resources that our communities need,” said Governor Abbott. “I am grateful to our federal partners for making this crucial financial support available to the state of Texas.”

Examples of allowable costs include:

• Personnel Overtime (Peace Officer, Jailer, Correctional Officer, Medical, and other Essential Staff)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Supplies (i.e. gloves, masks, sanitizer, disinfectant)
• Temporary Staff
• Medical care for inmates that have tested positive for COVID-19
• Any other costs associated with the implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Guidance documents, specifically:
  • Interim Guidance on Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Correctional and Detention Facilities
  • What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for COVID-19 in the United States
  • Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Interested jurisdictions may access the Public Safety Office’s eGrants grant management website at https://eGrants.gov.texas.gov to register and apply for funding.