Tyler Reporter

Several organizations in Tyler have been awarded a total of approximately $77.2 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) spent the day volunteering at the East Texas Food Bank by sorting, packing and loading food for families in Texas. East Texas Food Bank CEO Dennis Cullinane gave Cornyn a tour and spoke to him about the organization's response to the higher demand of food during the pandemic, according to Cornyn's website. East Texas Food Bank has been using federal aid to help meet demand. 

Organizations in Tyler, in addition to East Texas Food Bank, have received an abundance of federal aid with help from Cornyn in securing the aid. East Texas Food Bank has distributed 3.6 million meals with the help of federal funds. 

Local colleges and universities have been awarded a total of $12.6 million in federal aid, with Tyler Junior College receiving $7.4 million and UT-Tyler receiving $5.2 million.

Local governments in the area have received $12.8 million and local health care facilities were awarded $40.2 million. 

Tyler Airport received $1.2 million, local public transit received $5.4 million, and public schools were awarded $5 million.