WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg today announced almost $2.5 million in funding for projects throughout the state, including $250,000 for the Billings Clinic Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and $147,000 for the Yellowstone County Mobile Digital Video Camera Project.  Funding was included by the House Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee for Fiscal Year 2010.

            “Maintaining a safe community requires cooperation from a wide variety of people,” said Rehberg a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Whether it’s the cop on the beat or the ability to gather necessary forensic evidence in cases of sexual assault, these federal dollars will help keep criminals off of the streets and out of our neighborhoods.  As someone who is raising a family in Billings, it’s hard to overstate how important these efforts are.”

The Billings Clinic will use funding to maintain a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner which specializes in collecting evidence and caring for victims of sexual assault.  The SANE unit is equipped with all necessary equipment for forensic evidence collection and provides a safe and private room specifically designed for victims of sexual assault. The unit consists of a private bath and secure locker to prevent tampering or contamination of evidence collected.

“Billings Clinic thanks Congressman Rehberg for his strong and sustained support of health care programs in Montana,” said Luke Kobold, Director of Public Affairs.  “We are very fortunate to have Denny in his leadership role working for critical community services such as the Billings Clinic Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.  Unfortunately, there is a growing demand for programs that provide expert forensic and medical care to victims of sexual assault and this funding will help Billings Clinic sustain this vital service to our community.”

The Yellowstone County Sherriff’s Office will use funding to acquire 27 Mobile Video Digital Cameras to augment current systems and replace VHS formatted video systems currently in use.  The information that is recorded is important as evidence in court proceedings, as it can assist in the prosecution of D.U.I. arrests, gang activity, traffic and criminal offenses.  Last year, Rehberg secured $269,000 in the first phase of this project.

“I'd like to thank Congressman Rehberg for the funds to complete fitting our patrol vehicles with updated video systems," said Captain William Michaelis of the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office.  "They will assist our officers with the evidence for crimes in Yellowstone County so they can get back out on the street faster.  We appreciate that we were considered."