Date: July 28, 2009
Contact: John Lowrey (202) 225-6161 
Linda Macias (202) 225-6161

NEWS RELEASE...
 

Baca Announces $11.2 Million in Recovery Grants to Hire More Police in Inland Area

San Bernardino, Colton, Ontario, Rialto Receiving Funds to Hire 34 New Officers

Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today announced he has received notice from the White House and the Justice Department that the 43rd Congressional District will receive over $11.2 million in grants to fund the hiring and rehiring of law enforcement officers under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The grant will be administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and will result in the hiring of 34 additional police officers in the cities of San Bernardino, Colton, Ontario, and Rialto.   

“We have no greater responsibility in Congress then ensuring the continued safety and security of the American people,” said Rep. Baca. “I thank the Administration for their leadership and swift action in getting this funding out to our local communities.  This vital recovery act funding not only creates new jobs, but also helps to make the Inland Empire safer for all our families by putting more police officers on the streets.”

The grants will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry level officer positions over a three year period.  The funding provides much needed support to state and local government budgets, and will help the nation’s law enforcement agencies add and retain the manpower needed to fight crime more effectively through community policing.

The Economic Recovery Package enacted this February has already begun to have a positive impact in the Inland Empire.  San Bernardino County has received approval for $49.1 million in federal recovery funds to widen the I-215 freeway, a construction project that is expected to create 8,000 jobs.  In addition the County has received approval for $9 million in Department of Housing and Urban Development grants to create new low and moderate income housing and prevent homelessness.  And earlier this month, it was announced the 43rd Congressional District would receive $48.8 million in municipal bonding funds. 
 
The $11.21 million in COPS Hiring Grants for the 43rd District included in the Economic Recovery Package is broken down as follows:

“Because of the current recession, crime is on the rise, while at the same time many law enforcement agencies across the country have had to work with less and less resources,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “I thank President Obama for his decisive leadership on this issue.  Now more than ever, this funding is needed to get more cops back into our communities and ensure the safety of our schools, our streets, and our neighborhoods.”