Programs in Virginia to help both crime victims and convicts are among those getting a boost from $33.8 million in grants, the Kaine administration announced.
The money comes partly from the $787 billion federal stimulus package and also through state and local coffers. Northern Virginia’s share includes $1 million for community corrections in Prince William County and $260,000 for Fairfax County for a program combating violence against women.
Gov. Tim Kaine said many of the 162 grants “will aid and promote the economic recovery effort in Virginia.
“These grants will enable localities and state agencies to support new and continuing activities to ensure that our criminal justice system remains effective and responsive,” Kaine said.
Only $7 million of the total grant award comes from the federal government. About $25 million is provided by the commonwealth, with local governments supplying approximately $1 million.
The money will also go toward substance abuse services, truancy prevention, services for crime victims and witnesses, pretrial services, and juvenile justice.
The cash comes at a time when nearly all local government departments — including police and sheriff’s offices — are being put under the budget knife.
In March, the Obama administration announced nearly $40 million in law enforcement funding for Virginia through the stimulus act.
The most recent grants were reviewed and approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Services’ Criminal Justice Services Board, according to the governor.
