WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Thom Tillis announced a grant will be awarded to N.C. Emergency Management to help COVID-19 vaccine distribution, totaling just over $102 million.
The award provides expedited federal funding to reimburse 100% of costs related to the state’s vaccination program for a 90-day period. Those costs include equipment and supplies needed for storing, handling, and distributing vaccines; PPE and additional support staff; leasing facilities for storing and administering vaccines; and communications to disseminate public information.
“The COVID-19 vaccine must be distributed in a timely and effective manner, and I’m confident that this grant will help make it possible,” said Sen. Tillis. “With every administered vaccine, North Carolina gets one step closer to defeating this virus.”
In a separate statement on the grant funds, Gracia Szczech, regional administrator for FEMA Region IV, said, “This funding will help the state distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccinations to more North Carolinians. We have been working closely with our state partners since the onset of the pandemic, and these dollars will assist with their ongoing efforts.”
Grants for emergency protective measures are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which reimburses communities for actions taken for response and recovery from a disaster. For COVID-19, FEMA has streamlined the Public Assistance application and reimbursement process to get funds to applicants faster. Expedited reimbursements help local, state, and tribal officials address immediate threats to life, public health, and safety.
