FY 2009 Byrne/JAG Stimulus 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 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 Rhode Island Public Safety Grant Administration Office (RIPSGAO) will lead an inclusive statewide strategic planning process with the goal of determining how Rhode Island will utilize their FY 2009 Recovery Act Justice Assistance Grant funds. RIPSGAO will develop the strategic plan in collaboration with the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Steering Committee, RIPSGAO Policy Board, and the Law Enforcement Planning Committee in conjunction with the Governor's Office of Economic Recovery and Reinvestment. RIPSGAO will ensure that the strategic plan is consistent with the Recovery Act solicitation requirements. The State has requested that withholding special conditions be attached to their award until their plans can be finalized.

NCA/NCF