Public Safety Funding

Upcoming Sources of Funds

Justice Assistance Grants: (Formula)

Under the economic stimulus plan, according to our estimates the Department of Justice will be awarding approximately $3.7 million in JAG grants to the City. This is a considerable increase from our $230,000 FY 2008 allocation. These funds can be used to provide funding for broad-based public safety prevention, intervention, and suppression activities; law enforcement personnel; equipment and facilities (including crime laboratories); community policing; and technology improvements.

Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS): (Competitive)

The act provides $1 billion to be awarded competitively in COPS grants. These grants can be used to provide funding for hiring and rehiring of additional career law enforcement officers. Unlike the usual COPS funding the bill eliminates the $75,000 cap on salary and benefits per officer and it eliminates the 25% local match requirement. The City would still be required to enter into a maintenance agreement to guarantee the position for an additional year at the end of three years. Funds will be available until September 30, 2010.

Firefighter Assistance Grants: (Competitive grants through FEMA)

The stimulus bill sets aside $210 million to be awarded by FEMA in competitive grants to provide funding for modifying, upgrading or constructing non-Federal fire stations. The maximum grant award is $15 million. Projects must be shovel ready.

Brush/Wildfire Management: (Competitive grants through Forest Service)

The act provides $500 million to be used for competitive project grants to provide funding for hazardous fuels reduction.