FY 2009 Recovery Act Justice Assistance Grant Program

This grant program is authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) (the 'Recovery Act') and by 42 U.S.C. 3751(a). The stated purposes of the Recovery Act are: to preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery; to assist those most impacted by the recession; to provide investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health; to invest in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits; and to stabilize state and local government budgets, in order to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counterproductive state and local tax increases. The Recovery Act places great emphasis on accountability and transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars.

Among other things, it creates a new Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board and a new website ' Recovery.gov ' to provide information to the public, including access to detailed information on grants and contracts made with Recovery Act funds.

The Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program funded under the Recovery Act is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. Recovery JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system, from multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces to crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. Recovery JAG funded projects may address crime through the provision of services directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures.

Gray County and the city of Pampa will use Recovery Act JAG funds in the amount of $58,567 to support separate law enforcement initiatives. Specifically, the county Sheriff's Office will use its share to purchase and install video surveillance cameras and monitoring and recording equipment for its headquarters and jail facility in an effort to greatly enhance the agency's ability to collect video evidence that would aid in inmate investigations. The planned project will be completed expeditiously upon receipt of the grant funds. The city police department will apply its share towards portable radios and associated communications equipment, and video recorders for its patrol unit. The new equipment will allow officers to remain in the field while completing reports, which will ultimately enhance visibility within the community and allow for faster response times. Both jurisdictions have agreed to divide the Recovery Act funds evenly. For purposes of grant administration, the county will serve as the fiscal agent for this award.

NCA/NCF