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.

The Washington State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED), in collaboration with the Governor's Council, will utilize its Recovery Act JAG award to: hire an evaluator to assist CTED in grant compliance and evaluation procedures; employ personnel for the narcotic task force peer review process; distribute awards to ineligible local jurisdictions; endorse local competitive programs directed at law enforcement, prosecution, and courts; support collaboration efforts between the Department of Corrections and local law enforcement agencies in suppressing gang activity; support narcotic drug task force initiatives; retain prosecutors; and support the coninuation of state initiatives that support gang enforcement, intervention, and prevention. CTED will use federal assistance, made available through the Recovery Act, in accordance with Section 1602 Recovery Act and in a manner that maximizes job creation and economic benefit.

NCA/NCF