Austin ISD will receive $5.5 million in federal funding to reimburse its spending on COVID-19 safety measures, according to a June 7 news release from U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin.

AISD spent millions over the past two years to keep its community safe by purchasing personal protective equipment, sanitation supplies, social distancing measures, and screening and testing sites for students and staff, according to the release.

“We are thankful to Congressman Doggett for advocating for this federal reimbursement,” AISD board of trustees President Geronimo Rodriguez said in a district media advisory. “These resources have been essential to keeping our students and community safe during the pandemic.”