June 1, 2009

Markell, Senators Announce $6.6 Million in Recovery Funding for Delaware Criminal Justice Council

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant includes funding to preserve, create law enforcement and public safety jobs

WILMINGTON – Gov. Jack Markell joined Senators Tom Carper and Ted Kaufman, New Castle County Executive Chris Coons and Delaware Criminal Justice Council (CJC) Executive Director Jim Kane at the New Castle County Police Headquarters on Monday to announce more than $6.6 million in Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) funding for the CJC.
 
This federal grant, made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) supported by Sens. Carper and Kaufman earlier this year, includes critical resources to jump-start the state’s five-year crime control and prevention strategy. The funds will help preserve and create law enforcement and public safety jobs across Delaware, as well as fund innovative new projects and much-needed equipment upgrades.
 
“This funding will create needed jobs and help us fight crime,” Gov. Markell said. “I consider keeping Delawareans safe a core responsibility of state government, and it is clear that this funding in the federal economic recovery package for the Criminal Justice Council will improve Delaware’s public safety.”
 
“As we come off of a holiday weekend and head into summer, it is important to remember that crime doesn’t take a holiday,” said Sen. Carper.  “These federal funds will help our law enforcement officials do their jobs more effectively, and fight crime to the best of their abilities.  This economic recovery package was made to help with Delaware’s recovery, and the Criminal Justice Council has done its part to ensure this money is being spent in ways that will benefit all of us.”
 
“Federal investment in local law enforcement is a ‘two-fer’ – not only does it keep our families safe, it creates good paying jobs for quality public servants at the same time,” Sen. Kaufman said. “Senator Carper and I have said it several times: this economy will not get on track until we stop these massive job losses. That’s our main focus in Washington and that’s why we voted for the recovery package.”
 
“We are grateful to Senators Carper and Kaufman and the CJC for this funding that will have a significant impact for New Castle County,” said County Executive Chris Coons.  “This will allow us to continue funding for an additional two years the two officers we have working in aggressive gang enforcement and Operation Safe Streets,” he added.