FY09 Recovery Act Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program: State Solicitation

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 North Dakota Office of the Attorney General will use the Recovery Act JAG funds to implement objectives outlined in the State Drug Control and Violent Crime Strategy (DCVCS). The strategy provides a comprehensive, systematic approach to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking and significantly decreasing violent crime in the state. The Drug and Violent Crime Policy Board oversees the use of JAG funds in North Dakota. The Board is made up of representatives from law enforcement, victim and witness assistance, and prosecution. Job creation and retention is a major priority. Two forensic scientists will be hired for the state crime lab. A paralegal will be hired to assist the Assistant Attorney General with civil commitments, and administrative staff will be hired to assist with stimulus funding projects. These funds will continue to support nine multi-jurisdictional narcotic task forces that will focus on combating the increase use of methamphetamine, importation and distribution of illegal drugs, and clandestine manufacturing. A DNA lab robot will be purchased to help with DNA analysis. Remaining funds will be used to fund programs providing a wide range of services including court assistance and support, shelter, protection order preparation, children's medical and forensic examinations, drug treatment, advocacy, and technology improvement. The emphasis of these programs is to promote awareness, prevention, and involvement in the community through educational materials and presentations.

NCA/NCF