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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph Markosek |
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Markosek announces federal funding available
for local police departments
HARRISBURG, March 12 – State Rep. Joseph Markosek, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland, said nearly $86,000 in federal stimulus funding is available to the police departments in North Versailles Township and Monroeville to help pay for a wide range of department expenses.
"I don't know of anyone who wants their police department to be underfunded," Markosek said. "This stimulus money will help the police departments continue to patrol neighborhoods and offer crime prevention and victims programs, during a time when most organizations are being forced to make cuts to services."
Municipalities must formally apply for the funding; Markosek urged municipalities to apply quickly. He added that the federal funding is based on a formula of population and violent crime statistics, and North Versailles Township and Monroeville met eligibility requirements.
The funding, part of the Byrnes/Justice Assistance Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, does not require a local match and can be used for law enforcement, prosecution and court expenses, crime prevention and education, corrections, drug treatment, technology improvement and crime victim and witness programs.
Markosek said North Versailles Township is eligible to receive $27,843 and Monroeville is eligible to receive $57,955 in grants.
Applications for the funding are due by May 18.
More information on the grants is available online at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/recoveryJAG/recoveryjag.html.
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