FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 24, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear and Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Mary Noble said today that starting Friday, May 1, 2020, Kentucky’s local public safety agencies and eligible local governments can apply for part of more than $9 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s (USDOJ) Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program (CESF).
“Our local leaders and those serving in a variety of roles within the criminal justice system deserve our deepest appreciation as they work tirelessly on the front lines,” said Gov. Beshear. “These funds will be crucial for our local agencies as we continue to fight against COVID-19 and protect our Kentucky families. While this is the challenge of our times, I know that we will get through this and we will get through this together.”
In accordance with the program, the Governor said the one-time funds have two separate processes for local agencies and eligible governments to obtain funding.
$6.2 Million CESF Grant Funding Process
The Governor said more than $6.2 million in pass-through funds, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by the President, will assist local agencies, like police departments, sheriff’s offices and correctional institutions, that have a connection to the criminal justice system, to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19 in their jurisdictions.
Allowable CESF program expenses administered through the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet can include overtime, equipment – including law enforcement and medical equipment and personal protective equipment – supplies, training, travel (particularly to distribute supplies), new hires and overtime pay exclusively related to COVID-19 response, and to address the medical needs of those in confined criminal justice settings.
How to Apply
Beginning May 1, applicants can visit the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Grants Management Division website, https://justice.ky.gov/Pages/Grants-Management-Branch.aspx, to obtain the application. Applications must be submitted online via Intelligrants, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet’s electronic Grants Management System. New applicants should note that validating a new user account requires 48-72 hours. The solicitation will remain open until all funds have been awarded.
$3.3 Million CESF Grant Process
An additional $3,375,231 in CESF funds are available to governmental agencies selected by the USDOJ for direct awards. The below eligible jurisdictions must still apply in order to receive the funds.
The counties are: Christian, Daviess, Franklin, Hardin, Kenton, Madison, McCracken and Warren. The cities are Bowling Green, Covington, Frankfort, Hopkinsville, Owensboro, Paducah, Radcliff, Richmond and Shively, as well as Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government. For a list of allocations click here.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted directly to the USDOJ at https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. Submitting applications immediately is encouraged. The federal funding opportunity closes May 29, 2020.
Assistance with the application processes may be obtained by contacting Grants Management Division staff at jusgmb@ky.gov.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.
For more information on the state’s response to COVID-19 visit kycovid19.ky.gov.
