Washington, May 12, 2006 -  U.S. Representative John Carter (TX-31) announced that the City of Killeen has been awarded a $61,242 grant through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The JAG program, created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, appropriates funds to state and local governments to control and prevent crime.

“These federal funds will help ensure the safety of our communities” Congressman Carter said. “The JAG program’s aid to our local governments has been instrumental in preventing crime in central Texas.”

These funds will benefit the cities of Killeen and Temple as well as Bell County. Killeen will use the awarded funds to acquire two motorcycles and additional safety equipment necessary for the patrol of the town. The Police Department of Temple plans to upgrade equipment and software for their fingerprint identification system. The Bell County Sheriff’s Office will use funds to pay overtime and add additional patrols in highly populated areas.