28 July 2005

Governor Sebelius announces $3 million to make Kansas counties safer;Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant 2006 awards named

Governor Kathleen Sebelius, on behalf of the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (KCJCC), is pleased to announce the 2006 grant awards for the Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program.

The grant program is a partnership among federal, state and local governments to create safer communities and improve criminal justice systems. The grant is awarded by the U. S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). BJA is authorized to award grants to states for use by state and local units of government to improve the criminal justice system’s functions, with emphasis on violent and juvenile crimes and drug-related crimes. The JAG program replaces the Federal Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Grant (BYRNE) and the Federal Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) programs.

The primary use of JAG grant funds is to support the following six purpose areas:

(1) law enforcement programs;

(2) prosecution and court programs;

(3) prevention and education programs;

(4) corrections and community corrections programs;

(5) drug treatment programs; and

(6) planning, evaluation and technology improvement programs.

This year, Kansas received 37 percent less funding from the JAG program than it received from the BYRNE and LLEBG programs in previous years. The KCJCC received 85 applications requesting a total of $6,631,792. However, only $3,625,134 was available to make grant awards. As a result of this substantial cut in funding, the KCJCC was unable to fund 38 worthy applicants.

“These federal dollars make it possible for many state and local units of government to track, arrest and prosecute drug offenders and violent criminals,” Governor Sebelius said. “Unfortunately, these federal dollars are diminishing, and President Bush’s 2006 budget recommends eliminating this grant program. I encourage all Kansans to join me in contacting our congressional delegation to ensure that this vital funding remains in Kansas to keep our communities safe from illegal drugs and crime.”

The KCJCC also has awarded the Kansas Attorney General’s Office grant funds from the Federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant program. This program helps protect the lives of law enforcement officers by assisting state government in paying 50 percent of the cost of the vests.

A total of $3,625,134 was awarded to 42 agencies (funding 47 grant projects). The following recipients received 2006 JAG program funding: