Federal Appropriations Would be Used to Fund Key Law Enforcement, Public Safety Projects

Washington, DC – Today, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science & Related Agencies appropriations bill, legislation that includes $1.85 million for the Inland area in projects secured by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto). The bill includes funding secured by Rep. Baca for critical law enforcement and violence prevention programs, and will now move to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote on final passage.   

“The funding requests included in the legislation passed by the Appropriations Committee today have the potential to benefit law enforcement and promote safety throughout our Inland communities,” said Rep. Baca.  “I am glad the Committee included my project requests in this bill language and am hopeful the House and Senate will act quickly to pass the final bill so the President can sign this vital funding into law.”

The funding project requests made by Rep. Baca and secured in the FY 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science & Related Agencies appropriations bill include:

• $300,000 to the City of Rialto for law enforcement surveillance cameras;
• $500,000 to San Bernardino County to help fund their Scientific Investigations Division [requested in conjunction with Rep. Jerry Lewis];
• $200,000 to the City of Colton for Police Department back-up generators; and
• $850,000 to the Hope Through Housing Foundation, to fund after school violence prevention programs [requested in conjunction with Reps. Gary Miller and Ellen Tauscher]. 

“Additional federal attention is important in assisting our local efforts to ensure the Inland Empire is a safe place for families to raise their children and put down roots,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “I applaud the Appropriations Committee for their action on this legislation, which has the potential to benefit public safety and quality of life for all Inland residents.”