(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded the release of $36,706,591 in Byrne Justice Grants that were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for Washington state and individual counties and cities throughout the state. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray strongly supported inclusion of Byrne Grants in the Recovery Act, which she voted to support. Byrne Grants can be used to train, hire, and supply local police and law enforcement officials and for a range of other local corrections, drug treatment, and prosecution needs. They were included in the Recovery Act in order to safeguard law enforcement jobs, programs and equipment from recession-related budget cuts.
“This money is about protecting jobs and protecting our neighborhoods,” said Senator Murray. “It will be a big relief to communities that are being forced to choose which law enforcement equipment, personnel, or programs to do without. This funding will help us weather this recession without having to cut vital law enforcement priorities.”
“This is great news for the State of Washington,” said Don Pierce, Executive Director Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. “This will allow many of our local communities to avoid cutting service at a time when our citizens need us most. This funding will also allow us to continue the good work of many of the states regional drug task forces. Police Chiefs and Sheriffs all across the state are breathing a sigh of relief today.”
Of the $36,706,591 included in the Recovery Act for Washington state Byrne Grants, $14,304,690 will go directly to municipalities and counties throughout Washington state. The additional $22,401,901 will go to the State of Washington which will then distribute that funding to counties and municipalities that apply directly to the State.
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, administered by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, allow 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.
Detailed information on Byrne Justice Grants and their distribution as part of that Economic Recovery Act visit
View the WA State Cities and Counties that will Receive Byrne Funding
*In some cases (shaded in grey), a single jurisdiction will apply to the Department of Justice for grant funding on behalf of neighboring communities and distribute funds according to a mutual agreement. In other cases (white), the individual county or municipality will apply for and receive grant funds directly from the Department of Justice.
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