Chief justice urges counties to seek federal aid
Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack urged state and local governments today to apply for more than $24 million in Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) made available through the US. Department of Justice’s
Bureaus of Justice Assistance.
The chief justice also noted this during her discussion with MAC at our opening session of the 2020 Virtual Legislative Conference.
MAC shared information last week with members about the available funding and encourages those that have not already applied to do so as soon as possible. The official deadline is May 29.
Per BJA guidance, “Funds awarded under the CESF Program must be utilized to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Allowable projects and purchases include, but are not limited to, overtime, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses (particularly related to the distribution of resources to the most impacted areas), and addressing the medical needs of inmates in state, local, and tribal prisons, jails, and detention centers.
“Funds may not be used to supplant state or local funds but must be used to increase the amounts of such funds that would, in the absence of federal funds, be made available. Funds may not be used for direct administrative costs that exceed 10 percent of the total award amount.”
For any localities that need assistance drawing down funds, the BJA offers a support hotline: 888-549-9901 or
This list of
expected
eligible entities in Michigan
was made available by the BJA last week.
If your county was not specifically identified, MAC suggests using the hotline to ask about qualifying.