U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) applauded the House Appropriations Committee’s approval last week of the Fiscal Year 2009 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill, which included funding for several critical law enforcement and justice assistance projects in the 9th District.
The committee approved $300,000 for the Digital Information Gathering System (DIGS), requested by the King County Sherriff’s Office. The DIGS project will facilitate integration of records and information between all 49 municipal police departments, sheriffs offices, and other law enforcement agencies and will promote enhanced information sharing, data accessibility, and communications.
Also approved by the committee was $250,000 for the Rainier Communications Commission’s Wireless Public Safety and Emergency Response Network. This network will improve interoperable communications for public safety and emergency management purposes and directly aid local law enforcement and first responders in Pierce County.
“Funding for the King County DIGS project and the Rainier Public Safety Network will help provide our local law enforcement officials with needed technology support to better respond to public safety threats and emergencies,” Smith said.
Smith also helped secure funding for important justice assistance programs that reduce and prevent crime as well as provide support and assistance to victims.
The Appropriations Committee designated $500,000 for the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center to fund their heavily-utilized civil legal services and the child-focused Stepping Stones program, both of which serve adult and child victims of violence. The committee approved $1,100,000 for the Washington State Methamphetamine Initiative to tackle the problems of manufacture, distribution, and use of methamphetamine. The committee also approved $1,000,000 for the Pierce County Regional Gang Prevention Initiative, which enables enhanced community-oriented policing activities and outreach to youths and families impacted by drugs, violence, and gangs.
“These funds will support critical local programs that prevent drug abuse, crime, and violence and aid victims and affected communities.”
The CJS bill now awaits consideration by the full House and reconciliation with the Senate before it can be signed into law by the President.