Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $400,000)
The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
The City of Richmond will use the grant funds to enhance court security and increase its protective capacity by replacing 51 existing windows with 51 ballistic resistant windows. Security issues associated with the Oliver Hill Courts Building (OHCB) were identified through a number of assessments, including a recent assessment performed by the American Consulting Engineers (ACE). Among the highest priority security upgrades recommended by ACE was replacement of OHCB windows with ballistic resistant windows.
The project will improve public safety for all the public who visit the building, as well as judges, prosecutors, OHCB staff, and staff of 11 state and local agencies that use the building. All window replacements will be on or within the shell of the building and will not include any new construction. There will be no alteration to the exterior environment of the building.
NCA/NCF