this part shall be placed into an escrow account at the Department and used solely to provide need-based grant aid to an eligible student who has received a Federal Pell Grant under subpart 1 of part A and who was enrolled before the State notified the Partnership Office of the State’s intention to withdraw from the partnership or the State became ineligible. (2) Coverage until students finish program (A) In general A State that withdraws from a State-Federal partnership or becomes ineligible to continue participation under this part shall continue to cover the unmet need for each eligible student who received a Federal Pell Grant under subpart 1 of part A and who was enrolled before the State notified the Partnership Office of the State's intention to withdraw from the partnership or became ineligible until each such student completes the student’s program of study at the institution or until the allotted time for completion of such program of study expires. (B) Priority In carrying out subparagraph (A), a State shall prioritize funding based on students’ financial need. (3) Communication of information A State that withdraws from a State-Federal partnership or becomes ineligible to continue participation under this part shall communicate its withdrawal or ineligibility, as appropriate, to students and families in the State and provide clear information to eligible students described in paragraph (2)(A) that the students may continue to have their cost of attendance at an in-State public institution of higher education covered. 499A–9. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part— (1) $81,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2018