March 06, 2009
Press Release |
Betsy Barrett (202) 225-2506
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Members of Congressional Delegation Announce $22 Million for Arkansas’s Law Enforcement Agencies
Federal Funds Provided by New Economic Recovery Bill |
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Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry, Vic Snyder, and Mike Ross today announced that state law enforcement agencies are eligible for more than $22 million in grants provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which Congress passed last month with their support.
The economic recovery dollars are distributed through the Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system.
“Law enforcement agencies across Arkansas, particularly in rural areas, depend on these grants to protect their communities,” Lincoln said. “Agencies have used these funds to hire and train law enforcement officers, purchase necessary equipment, and develop policies to fight crime. These funds are exactly the kind of priorities the economic recovery bill should provide, and I am proud they are making their way to our state to strengthen our communities.”
“A downturn in the economy means an increase in crime rates. That’s why these Byrne grants, which strengthen law enforcement’s crime prevention efforts in a variety of ways, will be key to keeping communities in Arkansas safe,” Pryor said.
“Providing local law enforcement with the tools necessary to keep our communities safe is critical,” said Berry. “I strongly encourage all eligible law enforcement agencies in the state to apply for these available funds.”
“Law enforcement can put these funds to immediate good uses that will help Arkansas,” said Snyder.
“Our communities depend on local law enforcement having the resources they need to keep our families safe,” said Ross. “These public investments will create and save jobs as we continually work to ensure our first responders have the necessary tools to quickly answer the needs of their residents.”
The $22,192,057 in Byrne grants will be available to as many as 55 counties, 63 cities, and the State of Arkansas. Recipients will be required to submit applications to DOJ before receiving their allocation. A breakdown of potential recipients and allocations can be found here and in the attached document.
Byrne grants can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: law enforcement programs; prosecution and court programs; prevention and education programs; corrections and community corrections programs; drug treatment programs; and planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs. |
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