For Release: Thursday, August 11, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the City of Cairo has received a $17,122 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant through the U.S. Department of Justice. The Byrne Justice Assistance grant program allows local governments to support activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions.
The City of Cairo will use the funds to support additional personnel and overtime for traffic details and road blocks, drug sweeps, special activities and summer patrols in housing areas to combat crime. In addition, funds will be used for education and community programs designed to keep young people out of trouble.
"These are necessary resources for keeping our communities safe and should remain a priority for the federal budget," said Costello, a former law enforcement official. "Increasing police visibility and showing kids the consequences of criminal activity are important parts of crime prevention."
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