Operation Our Town

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

Operation Our Town, Inc. will use this $300,000 grant to reduce drugs and crime by increasing the amount of law enforcement activity within the City of Altoona and other communities in Blair County. The congressionally-mandated funds will be used for law enforcement operations and training, to promote a crime prevention telephone hotline, and for salary reimbursement for an Assistant District Attorney. The project will be managed by the Executive Coordinator and fiscal oversight will be the responsibility of the Treasurer.

NCA/NCF