Rep. Costa Announces $11.5 Million In COPS Funding to Cities in Fresno County

WASHINGTON,DC-Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that a total of $11,573,631million has been awarded to the Cities of Fresno, Huron, Parlier, Sanger andSelma to address the full-time sworn police officer needs in thosecities. Funding was released through the US Department of Justice COPSHiring Recovery Program (CHRP) made available through the American Recovery andReinvestment Act (ARRA).

"Ourpolice departments have been hit hard by the sluggish economy, so these grantscould not come at a better time," Costa said. "We need to ensure our citystreets and neighborhoods remain safe, and federal investment in our localpolice departments is one of the best ways to deter crime."

"Iam extremely grateful to the federal government for this grant because it willprevent officers from being laid off and allow us to continue our crime fightingefforts, " Chief Jerry Dyer said.

Cityof Fresno: $10,235,445: 41 Officers Awarded

HuronPolice Department: $135,944: 1 Officer Awarded

ParlierPolice Department: $252,554: 1 Officer Awarded

SangerPolice Department: $518,954: 2 Officers Awarded

Cityof Selma: $430,734: 2 Officers Awarded

CHRPgrants will provide 100 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries andbenefits for three years for newly-hired, full-time sworn officer positions (includingfilling existing unfunded vacancies) or for rehired officers who have been laidoff, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date, as a result of localbudget cuts.