Washington – The Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs announced that it has awarded nearly $49 million to six states and one territory to address the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The grants are among the most recent through the $850 million available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Donald Trump. The grants include $5,754,321 for the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy and $4,337,801 for the Nebraska Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Commission.

“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 Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “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 their citizens safe.”

– U.S. Department of Justice