CONGRESSMAN COSTA ANNOUNCES FUNDS AVAILABLE TO THE 20TH DISTRICT

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman JimCosta (CA-20) announced grant funding totaling near $135 million that is availablefrom the United States Department of Justice's Office of Community OrientedPolicing Services (COPS). Three grantsare currently available to select law enforcement agencies: InteroperableCommunications Technology program, Secure our Schools program and TribalResources Grant program.

"Thesegrant programs are assets to the community and all who are eligible shouldapply," Congressman Costa said

Roughly$100 million is available from the Interoperable Communications Technologyprograms, which can be used to enhance the effectiveness of public safetycommunications systems. Specifically,interoperable communications refers to the ability of public safety agencies totalk across various agencies and localities to exchange needed information in atimely manner.

TheSecure our Schools program offers approximately $15 million to improve schoolssafety equipment and programs. Schools canuse awarded grants to install metal detectors, provide security assessments andtraining options and coordinate with local law enforcement on implementation ofschool safety measures.

TribalResources Grants program allocates up to $20 million in funding for varioustribal law enforcement agencies. Thesefunds can be used to execute law enforcement training, provide uniforms, issue basicequipment and maintain vehicles for new and existing officers.

"Thesefunds will supply our law enforcement officials with the necessary tools toimplement procedures that will allow them to maintain public safety," Costaconcluded.

Pleasevisit https://www.cops.usdoj.gov/default.asp?Item=1474for more information about these grants and the invited agencies.

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