WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Jim Webb announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice has released $39.8 million in federal stimulus investments to Virginia public safety agencies. The one-time funds were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan as part of the Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.

Approximately $15.5 million will go directly to local sheriffs and police departments, and $24.3 million will be directed to state criminal justice programs. 

"These funds will help minimize the impact of state and local budget cuts to our front-line law enforcement officials," Senator Warner said. "At the direction of the Virginia General Assembly, these stimulus dollars will cover personnel costs and help fund the training and salaries for our law enforcement and criminal justice professionals."

"Virginia faces a number of public safety challenges. Given the current economic climate and the budget shortfalls facing local governments, this funding is critical to provide uninterrupted law enforcement services," said Senator Webb. "In addition to the recovery plan, the Omnibus appropriations bill currently being debated contains more than $3 million to combat gang violence and mobilize drug task forces throughout Virginia." 

“These funds are a vital component in our effort to not just revive our economy, but to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity and security,” President Obama said today. “By keeping police officers on the streets whose jobs were threatened by budget cuts and ensuring states and municipalities have the tools and equipment necessary to fight crime, this money will simultaneously help jumpstart the American economy and protect our citizens.”

The JAG Program supports a variety of efforts such as hiring and support for law enforcement officers; multijurisdictional drug and gang task forces; crime prevention and domestic violence programs; and courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. The breakdown of JAG allocation amounts for Virginia state and local governments can be viewed here:  http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/recoveryJAG/recjag/VA.xls