Governor Kelly Announces More Than $6 Million in Federal Funding to Respond to Coronavirus

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced $6,202,603 in grant awards to state and local jurisdictions in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus, as well as funds to support families impacted by domestic violence.

“My administration continues to work to ensure Kansans and the communities impacted by COVID-19 have the resources they need to fight the spread of the virus” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants are thorough and purposeful examples of how we can direct funds across the state, especially to some of our possibly overlooked areas in need. We know domestic violence is an issue that has been amplified by the pandemic, and this funding will provide support services to those who need them the most.”

The grant awards for the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program will provide funds to state and local jurisdictions in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus. Allowable purchases include 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 incarcerated inmates.

The CESF Program is authorized by Division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES), Act Pub. L. No. 116136 (Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations) and is supplemental to the $1.25 billion Kansas received through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) authorized by the same legislation.  

Only the State Administrating Agency (Kansas Governor’s Office) that applied under the Federal Fiscal Year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program is eligible to apply for the state allocation of CESF funding.

A total of $5,912,074 was awarded to 30 state and local agencies.

The grant awards for the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Family and Youth Services Bureau, Federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Program’s Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, P.L. 116-136 are used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency by supporting families impacted by family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence.

This supplemental funding addresses the evolving needs of domestic violence survivors and local domestic violence programs throughout the state to ensure the continuity of shelter and supportive services. 

Funds will be used for overtime and hazard pay for staff, supplies needed for COVID-19 response, equipment and software to assist in carrying out remote services, and direct victim assistance.  Funding may also be used to purchase supplies for the safety of staff and operate shelters and programs during this public health emergency.

Grant funds were distributed to current Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) subgrantees based on incorporating an equally distributed base amount, population of service area, and the number of COVID-19 positive cases as of the date the solicitation was released.

A total of $290,529 was awarded to 19 agencies.

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