ASU, NAU, UArizona to receive $115 million to support COVID-19 response
Dec 30, 2020, 12:15 PM
(University Photos)
(University Photos)
PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey announced on Wednesday that Arizona’s three public universities will be receiving $115 million for their ongoing efforts in the state’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona will be receiving $46 million each, while Northern Arizona University will get the remaining $23 million.
“Our universities continue to go the extra mile to fight the spread of COVID-19, protect our communities, and ensure students’ needs are met,” Ducey said in a press release.
“The innovation and perseverance of our universities have resulted in testing with quick results, additional PPE for health care workers, enhanced contact tracing, tests to detect antibodies and much more.”
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The funding will come from the coronavirus relief fund as part of the federal CARES Act.
The universities will use the allocated funds to help cover some of the costs directly caused by the pandemic, including testing and mitigation efforts, increased distance learning, student outreach and furlough prevention.
In September, the state shared $8 million among all three schools for testing and surveillance. Arizona State was also given an additional $6 million for the development of its point-of-need testing.
The state has now provided a total of over $69 million to ASU, over $53 million to UArizona and more than $24 million to NAU in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The battle against this pandemic has called on all sectors from all corners of our state to mobilize resources and resilience as we confront these formidable challenges,” Arizona Board of Regents Chair Larry E. Penley said in a press release.
“The board and universities have worked hard to address these challenges, providing critical tests, resources and support to combat the global public health crisis.”
