U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris | U.S. Department of Justice
The Department of Justice has allocated several Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grants to agencies and communities in Central Illinois, aiming to enhance public safety and address substance-use disorders.
A $1,000,000 BJA Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program grant was awarded to Marshall, Putnam, and Stark counties. This funding will support the Reaching Rural: Rural Roads to Recovery Program. The initiative is intended to develop a collaborative, research-based community program for individuals affected by substance-use disorder. Subrecipients include Maitri Path to Wellness, the Henry and Stark County Health Department, and The Society of Growth Inc.
Additionally, over $400,000 in Justice Assistance Grants (JAGs) were distributed among various law enforcement agencies in Central Illinois. These funds include $86,228 for the Champaign Police Department, Urbana Police Department, and Champaign County Sheriff's Office; $53,178 for the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Office and Danville Police Department; $58,510 for the Decatur Police Department; $49,719 for the Moline and Rock Island Police Departments; $11,482 for the Pekin Police Department; $33,963 for the Bloomington and Normal Police Departments and McLean County Sheriff’s Office; and $121,391 for the Springfield Police Department and Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. The grants aim to support projects combating violent crime.
“These funds allow area agencies to expand on the excellent services they provide to their communities,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “We commend the U.S. Department of Justice for its continued support of the Central District of Illinois.”
The BJA provides federal funding crucial for supporting state, local, and tribal governments across various program areas such as law enforcement initiatives; prosecution efforts; indigent defense programs; court operations; crime prevention education; corrections systems including community corrections; drug treatment enforcement strategies; planning processes; evaluation activities; technology improvements; crime victim assistance programs including witness initiatives; mental health programs related to law enforcement operations including behavioral interventions or crisis intervention teams as well as implementation measures concerning state crisis intervention court proceedings along with related initiatives like mental health courts or veterans courts among others.
