Governor Jon S. Corzine announced on Wednesday that nearly $48 million in justice assistance grants have been allocated to New Jersey for use in law enforcement, prosecution, court programs, and other related efforts as part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Jersey City got the top allocation in the state with $1.8 million.
The grants are made through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the U.S. Department of Justice. The program allows states and local governments to support activities for crime prevention and control, including law enforcement, prosecution and courts, prevention and education, corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, technology improvement programs, and victim and witness assistance.
The allocation for the state of New Jersey, which will be handled by Attorney General Anne Milgram’s office, is $29.75 million, with approximately $11 million for local entities. The remaining $18 million has been allocated to specific local jurisdictions. Awarding of the funds is contingent on an application by the governmental entity proposing how the funds will be spent. The federal government will issue application guidelines in the near future.
“I urge every eligible municipality and township to apply for this funding as soon as feasible,” Governor Corzine said. ”
Mayor Jerramiah Healy commented on the grant, “We anticipate utilizing these Department of Justice funds to maintain the current level of service of public safety. We need every boot on the street when it comes to police officers, and we are grateful to the Obama Administration for recognizing the needs of our city.” – Ricardo Kaulessar