CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) announced today that $22,876,827 in federal funding has been made available to IEMA for vaccination costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of March 25, 2020.
This funding is an advance payment to IEMA for eligible reimbursable costs associated with supporting the establishment and operation for rapid distribution and administration of available COVID-19 vaccines. The grant will help fund mobile vaccination assistance teams and facilities, including costs for medical and non-medical staff to support these efforts.
“Expediting funds to support our states’ vaccination efforts is a priority for FEMA and the federal government,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant will be used to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccination to more communities across the state of Illinois, helping ensure every Illinoisan who wants a vaccine, can get one.”
“These additional resources will allow our state to supplement the efforts of local health departments to accelerate vaccination efforts with a keen focus on equitability and accessibility,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “We appreciate the cooperation and collaboration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and we look forward to assisting our partners at the Illinois Department of Public Health to distribute a safe and effective vaccine.”
FEMA provides funding at a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for debris removal, disaster cleanup and emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.