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.

Fayette County, the cities of Connellsville and Uniontown, and Masontown Borough will apply Recovery Act JAG funding towards essential equipment and training aimed at enhancing law enforcement services provided to the community. Specifically, the city of Connellsville will use funds to purchase a digital camera system and mobile data computers for its police department's patrol vehicles. Tasers, shotgun racks, and specialized equipment to enhance officer training will also be funded. The city of Uniontown will apply its share towards a four wheel drive police vehicle, capable of functioning in various weather conditions. Masontown Borough will use remaining funds to support firearm qualification for its police officers. Though eligible for funding, the county has waived its share. Because of the state of each jurisdictions' budget, the proposed initiatives would not have moved forward without the assistance of the Recovery Act. For administration purposes, the city of Uniontown will serve as the fiscal agent for this award.

NCA/NCF