CSRA colleges, universities getting nearly $45 million in COVID aid

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Colleges and universities in the CSRA will be getting nearly $45 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan.

It’s among more than $1.1 billion going to higher education institutions across the Peach State.

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At least half of the funds must go directly to student aid as young people and families continue to endure displacement and economic distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding more than doubles the emergency relief available to students and institutions already authorized under the previous two COVID-19 relief bills.

In the CSRA, the money includes:

Augusta Technical College: $15.7 million, of which $7.9 million must be used for student grants.
Augusta University: $17.6 million, of which $8.8 million must be used for student grants.
East Georgia State College: $9 million, of which $4.7 million must be used for student grants.
Paine College: $2.6 million, of which $1.3 million must be used for student grants.

The money was announced Thursday by Georgia Democratic Sens Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.