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Rahall Announces $13M for Crime Fighting Grants in West Virginia 

3/6/2009 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) today announced the availability of $13,139,007 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to continue the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program in West Virginia.

"When it comes to fighting crime, every dollar counts," Rahall said. "This program enables law enforcement departments across southern West Virginia to acquire crime-fighting technology and training they need to help keep our communities safe."

The JAG Program, administered by the Office of Justice Program’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system. JAG funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: law enforcement programs; prosecution and court programs; prevention and education programs; corrections and community corrections programs; drug treatment programs; and planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.

Congressman Rahall has strongly supported the JAG program from its beginnings and is proud to have helped pass legislation that helps to restore cuts that have plagued this program over the years. 

"This program has been a valuable tool in assisting our state and local law enforcement fight crime throughout southern West Virginia," Rahall said. "We cannot cut corners when it comes to saving lives and giving our officers the support they need on the beat."

Rachael Berkey