City of Catoosa and City of Claremore Emergency Response Equipment Project

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.

The disparate jurisdictions consisting of Rogers County, and the cities of Catoosa and Claremore will use their Recovery Act JAG award in the amount of $43,315 to purchase equipment that will support various law enforcement activities. The city of Claremore, serving as the fiscal agent, will use its share of the award ($28,164) to enhance the basic responses of the Claremore Police Department (CPD). CPD will purchase an enclosed tandem axle trailer to house and transport back-up radio and telephonic communications equipment. This equipment will provide a contingent source of communications should the need arise for an extended on-scene response or the evacuation of their existing building in the event of a disastrous event.

The city of Catoosa will use its share of the award ($15,151) to enhance the Catoosa Police Department's (CPD) response to residents and improve public safety. CPD will purchase a Ford 4X4 Pick-up truck, enabling the department to have better access to roads and residents, especially during inclement weather. The truck will also be used to transport large items of evidence that will not fit into patrol vehicles.

Rogers County will not receive a share of the award, but remains a partner in the award.

NCA/NCF