(From Laurinburg Exchange)
U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell says the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Bill being considered by Congress should help with law enforcement efforts in Scotland County.
The bill which was passed by the U.S, House last week, moves to the Senate for consideration. It would provide a total of $3.4 billion for state and local law enforcement and crime prevention grants.
“Our local law enforcement agencies are struggling to find funding anywhere they can as local governments are forced to cut their budgets in this terrible economy. This bill helps shore up some of those gaps, providing $3.4 billion for state and local law enforcement agencies,” Kissell said.
Under the plan, Anson County Sheriff’s Department in Wadesboro would receive $500,000 for a “Law Enforcement Visual Intelligence Tool” to help Scotland and eight other counties in the 8th District (Anson, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Hoke, Montgomery, Richmond, Stanly and Union) coordinate jointly-managed emergencies.
In addition, Methodist University in Fayetteville would receive $150,000 for “Methamphetamine Educational Training Program” to train students, future forensic scientists; law enforcement, emergency medicine, fire/rescue, HAZMAT and other professionals in safe and proper identification, collection and preservation of evidence from methamphetamine laboratories.
Also, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department would receive $200,000 for a “Gang of One Pilot Program” which is a community-based initiative that provides a resource network for young people who are being pressured to join a gang or who need assistance in getting out a gang.
“I was also pleased to see much-needed funding for several key projects here in the Eighth District. This appropriations bill continues to focus on fiscal responsibility while providing must-have funding for those critical areas,” Kissell said.
Overall the bill will provide $802 million for the Community Oriented Policing Service program including $298 million for COPS Hiring Grants; $529 million for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program; $400 million for Violence Against Women programs; $385 million for juvenile justice programs; $1.08 billion for science education including $36 million more than 2009 for science, technology, engineering and math education; and $18.2 billion for NASA while eliminating 11 programs and cuts funding for an additional 13 programs below 2009 levels.
