August 31, 2011

Manchin, Rockefeller Announce More Than $79,000 for Crime Prevention Programs Across West Virginia

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-W.Va.) today announced that five areas across West Virginia will receive $79,538 for firearms, computers and vehicles from the U.S. Department of Justice. The funding is granted through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, which allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions.

“Protecting West Virginia residents and our communities is essential to creating a good quality of life and sustaining our family-friendly communities,” Senator Manchin said. “With this funding, our local agencies can purchase updated equipment like firearms and vehicles, which will help prevent crimes and keep our streets safe. We must make sure our law enforcement officers have the equipment and supplies necessary in order to prevent, respond and fight criminal activity.” 

“This funding will go a long way to protect West Virginians by supporting our law enforcement officers and providing the up-to-date tools and equipment they need to effectively fight crime,” said Rockefeller.  “I have long worked to make sure our first responders have the support they need to do their brave jobs, and this money will help police officers prevent criminal activity in our communities and safely respond during times of danger.”

The individual grants include: 

  • Mineral County will receive $28,036 to purchase a law enforcement vehicle. The program’s goal is to improve officer safety and response time, ensuring a dependable fleet of safety vehicles.

  • The Putnam County Commission will receive $15,890 to purchase mobile laptops in order to enhance essential law enforcement services in the region.

  • The city of Fairmont will receive $13,607 to support law enforcement initiatives, which will improve essential services at the police department. Specifically, the funds will be used to purchase equipment, such as desktops and laptop computers, that will replace existing outdated equipment.

  • Jefferson County will receive $11,780 to purchase weapons system supplies and canine protection equipment. The projects will better equip and protect current and future law enforcement officers.

  • The city of St. Albans will receive $10,225 to purchase equipment such as firearms, holsters and weapons mounted lights. The project’s goal is to increase both the officers’ safety as well as the safety of the community.

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