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.

Monroe County and the cities of Sparta and Tomah will apply Recovery Act JAG funding towards separate initiatives aimed at enhancing law enforcement services provided to the community. Through the grant, the city of Sparta, serving as the fiscal agent, will purchase a service dog for its police department's K-9 unit and support training costs for a K-9 handler. A K-9 drug program will also be established. The city of Tomah will use remaining funds to purchase a mutual aid radio communications radio update, computer software, and a forensic evidence drying cabinet. A drop-off program for the safe disposal of prescription drugs and a K-9 program will also be established. Though eligible for a portion of funds, the county will not receive a share, but remains partners with the cities of Sparta and Tomah.

NCA/NCF