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Washington, D.C., Aug 17, 2007 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today the City of Petersburg will receive a federal grant in the amount of $200,000 from the Department of Justice Community Capacity Development Office to support critical law enforcement activities through the Weed and Seed Program.

“The City of Petersburg has taken important steps forward in fighting violent crime, drugs, and gangs through community policing activities, and this grant will ensure that such valuable programs can continue. The Weed and Seed Program is an innovative strategy to fight violent crime and drugs by involving all aspects of a community, as well as providing alternatives to violence,” said Forbes. “I am pleased the Department of Justice recognizes Petersburg’s efforts and continues to support them through providing funds for this program.”

The Petersburg site was first designated in 2003 as a Weed and Seed site and the City has continued to receive funding for four consecutive years. One program that was developed under the grant was a faith-based partnership with a local church that opened a safe haven gathering spot on church grounds dedicated to giving both youth and adults activities such as a computer lab, karate and other safe alternatives. Petersburg will dedicate more than half of the this year’s award to community policing activities, supporting partnerships between law enforcement officers, neighborhood associations, and faith-based organizations to enhance the city’s abilities to fight crime and drugs on city streets. The program will also dedicate money to prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies as well as educational and recreational opportunities for youth and adults.

According to City of Petersburg Mayor Annie M. Mickens, "it is important to note that the Weed and Seed strategy is a citizen-based initiative giving residents an opportunity to influence what happens in their neighborhoods. We are extremely excited about receiving funding from the Department of Justice and look forward to continuing many successful programs and initiatives within the Weed and Seed area."

Weed and Seed is a community-based strategy sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice that involves a comprehensive multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization. Instead of only acting as a grant program, Weed and Seed is foremost a strategy that aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in designated high-crime neighborhoods across the country. The more than 250 Weed and Seed sites range in size from several neighborhood blocks to several square miles, with populations ranging from 3,000 to 50,000.

For more information about the grant please contact Eric Campbell, City of Petersburg Assistant City Manager, at 804-733-2301.

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