Syracuse University, Oneida County awarded federal funding to cover COVID-19-related costs

The federal government has provided funding to Syracuse University (SU) and Oneida County to cover their costs related to their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded the funding.

FEMA awarded SU more than $4.4 million and provided Oneida County more than $1.3 million, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) announced Wednesday.

The funds reimburse each for expenses related to the purchase and distribution of medical supplies and materials. They included personal protective equipment (PPE); enhanced cleaning/disinfecting facilities; dissemination of information to the public and guidance regarding COVID-19; and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems and other components of combatting the spread of COVID-19.

The funding is provided at a 100 percent federal cost share, Schumer’s office said.

“Oneida County, Syracuse University, and so many other entities throughout New York heroically stepped up to fight the pandemic on the front lines, resulting in increased spending, while experiencing significant revenue losses, so I am proud to deliver this funding that will help Central [New York] prevent tax hikes, keep essential services running, and rebuild the local economy,” Schumer said. “Pandemic recovery begins by tackling the tremendous costs local government and our higher education institutions have incurred managing the crisis and keeping students and residents safe throughout the pandemic.”