Burns: $150 million in federal recovery money available for schools

Urges local districts to apply before June 30 deadline

EBENSBURG, June 18 – With $150 million in federal COVID-19 recovery funding available for schools, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is urging local districts to apply for the June 30 deadline, and reminding them that his office is available to help as necessary.

“It is absolutely critical that Cambria County schools apply for their share of funding before the deadline hits – otherwise dollars that could be supporting our students will instead be headed to the big cities, which doesn’t help our kids one bit,” Burns said. “As our schools adapt to a ‘new normal,’ I’ll continue to fight for every dollar I can to support them in providing a safe, high-quality education for students throughout Cambria County.”

Per Act 30 of 2020, school entities are required to apply to PCCD no later than June 30 to be eligible to receive their funding by July 15.  Intermediate units must apply on behalf of nonpublic schools in their area no later than July 8 in order to be eligible to receive awards no later than Aug. 1. 

Any school entity that needs assistance in applying for funding can contact Burns’ office at 814-736-7339 for assistance.

Eligible uses for the funding include the purchase of cleaning and sanitizing products; training and professional development of staff on sanitation and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases; equipment purchases; modifying existing areas to support appropriate social distancing of students and staff; providing mental health services and supports; purchasing educational technology for distance learning; and other health and safety programs, items or services necessary to address the COVID-19 disaster emergency.