Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) announced that $525,000 has been preliminarily appropriated to the City of Yonkers’ Westside Anti-Violence Effort in the FY 2011 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill. 

Rep. Engel said, “This funding would greatly aid the Yonkers Police Department in cracking down on the gang activity which has impacted the West Side region and affected the quality of life of Yonkers families. Violent crime is often drug-related, and the police need every resource to combat it. I am pleased to do my part in helping the people of Yonkers rid themselves of gangs and drug violence.”

The funding for WAVE is designed to help conduct drug-sweeps and intensive patrols.  This action was a preliminary step in a long process. The bill will now be considered by the full House Appropriations Committee, and then the full House. The Senate is also working on their version of the bill.

Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone explained how the funding will be applied, “In particular, this money will be used to fund our anti-gang unit and overtime posts that will keep police officers out on the streets and in the neighborhoods. Nothing is more effective as a deterrent than a visible police presence and this funding will help us maintain that over the summer. Thank you to Congressman Engel for delivering for Yonkers.”

Rep. Engel added, “While this is only the beginning of the Appropriations process, I feel very good that funding for these important programs was included in this measure. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure this funding is preserved as the bill moves through the legislative process.”

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