FY2009 Congressionally Selected Awards

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 Fort Belknap Indian Community will use the FY 2009 Congressional Selected grant funds to enhance the functionality of their Tribal Court System. The goals of the project are to improve the function of the criminal justice system and prevent and combat juvenile delinquency. The grant funds will be used to hire court staff, update tribal electronic data systems, purchase equipment, and pay travel costs for training to ensure quality judicial services in the tribal court. Grant funds will also allow the court to address the infrastructure needs and better serve the needs of the tribal community.

NCA/NCF