Congressman Kildee Announces Federal Grants to Support Law Enforcement, Reduce Crime in Mid-Michigan

FLINT-Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced three federal grants to help reduce crime, support law enforcement and promote public safety in mid-Michigan.

The three federal grants total $266,312 and include the following:

• $182,461 to Flint Township for police operations;
• $62,895 to Saginaw County and City of Saginaw to purchase new patrol vehicles;
• $20,956 to Bay County to purchase an underwater drone camera to help water recovery operations by the Sheriff's dive team.

"I am proud to announce these important federal grants to help reduce crime and make neighborhoods safer," said Congressman Kildee. "Law enforcement officers and first responders have been on the frontline of this pandemic, and they deserve our support. By improving public safety, we can make our communities and neighborhoods stronger."

The grants are awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ's) the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. The JAG program provides federal funding for local initiatives to reduce criminal activity including officer training, mental health programs, drug treatment and enforcement programs as well as crime victim support and witness programs. Funds may also be used for drug and gang task forces, community education, crime prevention and domestic violence programs and other initiatives aimed at reducing crime, including planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.

In Congress, Kildee has fought for initiatives to support police officers and fire fighters, reduce violence and increase public safety. In June 2020, Kildee introduced and voted for the Justice in Policing Act to provide a bold, comprehensive approach to holding police accountable, changing the culture of law enforcement and building trust between law enforcement and our communities. Congressman Kildee recently helped to pass the American Rescue Plan, which included $122 billion in resources for state and local educational agencies that communities to spend according to their needs, including to help fight violent crime and improve community safety for young people.