For Release: Wednesday, August 3, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

CITY OF ALTON AND MADISON COUNTY RECEIVE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANT

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the City of Alton and Madison County have been awarded a $40,917 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant through the U.S. Department of Justice.  The Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program is named after New York Police Officer, Edward Byrne, who was killed by drug dealers, allows local governments to support activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions.

The City of Alton will use their portion of the grant to purchase forensic laboratory equipment, provide technological enhancements for law enforcement and purchase tactical equipment. Along with the purchase of the new equipment, a partnership will be facilitated between the City of Alton and Lewis and Clark Community College in forming a forensic lab which will be used on a regional basis, not only for law enforcement purposes, but also for training future forensic scientists through Lewis and Clark Community College.

Madison County will use their portion of the grant funds for technological enhancements for the County's law enforcement information management systems.

"These programs provide needed funding for additional technological tools for our law enforcement community," said Costello, a former law enforcement official.  "By taking steps at reducing and preventing crime, we are not only making our neighborhoods safer, we are making additional economic development possible."

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