Friday, Sep. 03, 2010

Los Banos getting $20K grant for software, training

Cities in Cardoza's district share in federal law enforcement funds

Los Banos and other cities in Merced County will get some additional funds thanks to federal grants.

Tuesday, Congressman Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, announced $120,141 in law enforcement grants for communities in California's 18th Congressional District. The funds were provided through the Justice Department's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

The program provides states and local governments with critical funding to support law enforcement, prosecution and court services, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, planning, evaluation, and technology improvement, and crime victim and witness initiatives.

According to information released by Cardoza's office, Los Banos' portion of the grant will be $20,804. The money will go toward purchasing digital and dictation software and paying for the training required to use it.

Other cities sharing in the funding include: Atwater, $12,889 to purchase equipment to enhance the tactical devices; Ceres, $20,151 to update audio and video evidence collection equipment; and Merced, $66,297 to purchase audio/visual equipment and to support the Gang Resistance Education and Training program.

"Federal grants such as these are more important than ever -- especially when it comes to public safety," Cardoza said in a news release. "These awards will help provide a direct public safety benefit to residents in the San Joaquin Valley, and I am pleased to see this funding directed to the communities I represent."

Cardoza also announced $198,194 in grant funding has been secured for the Merced County Economic Development Corporation. The grant will provide technical assistance, planning and counseling services to new and emerging businesses, cities and unincorporated communities in Merced County. The project is expected to create 23 jobs.

That funding is being provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Enterprise Grant program. The RBEG program helps to finance and facilitate the development of new and existing businesses in rural America. Funds can be used for startup and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.