Congressman Gonzalez Announces Availability of $38 Million in Federal COVID-19 Emergency Funding for Local Governments

MCALLEN, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced the availability of$38 million in federal funds through the Texas Governor's Public Safety Office (PSO) to local governments in Texas. These funds come from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act passed by Congress and signed into law by the president in late-March.

"I will continue to help our local governments and first responders obtain the resources they need to battle COVID-19," said Congressman Gonzalez. "My office is here to help facilitate efforts for cities, counties and municipalities in the 15th District of Texas to receive their fair share of federal funds."

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)

Those entities who wish to receive funding can apply here.