The more than 330 grants total $16.2 million to be used to support highway safety in Tennessee.
The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office will receive $5,000 for high-visibility law enforcement campaigns, while the Charleston Police Department will get $10,885.50 for alcohol countermeasures.
Several other law enforcement agencies in Southeast Tennessee also received grants.
The Benton Police Department will receive three grants totaling $35,743. These awards include $14,995 for a network coordinator, $15,740 for impaired driver enforcement and $5,008 for high-visibility law enforcement.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office will get $5,000 for high-visibility law enforcement.
The biggest grant in the area is $144,063.96 for the Tennessee District Attorney General (10th District). These funds will be used for driving under intoxication abatement/prosecution enhancement.
Other regional grants were announced for the Athens Police Department ($8,101.78), Calhoun Police Department ($4,992), Englewood Police Department ($5,000), Etowah Police Department ($14,994.21), McMinn Çounty Rescue Squad ($10,673), McMinn County Sheriff’s Office ($39,999.20), Niota Police Department ($4,989.07), Decatur Police Department ($14,940), Meigs County Sheriff’s Office ($5,000) and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office ($5,000).
These grant funds support the mission of the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) to save lives and reduce injuries on state highways ... through leadership, innovation, coordination and program support in partnership with numerous public and private organizations.
“We continue to work with local and state agencies to make our roadways safer,” Haslam said. “These grants will support the efforts of highway safety agencies and advocates to reduce the number of people killed and injured in traffic crashes in Tennessee.”
The governor and Commissioner Schroer said there are multiple elements that contribute to a sound and safe roadway system. These aspects include an accurate traffic safety data collection and analysis system, well-trained and well-equipped law enforcement personnel, and effective medical and trauma systems.
The two state officials added that a major part of roadway safety is educating motorists about laws and good driving behaviors.
“These grants help fund a variety of enforcement, legal and educational initiatives across the state, including speed enforcement,” said Schroer. “This includes first-responder equipment purchases, DUI prosecutors and child passenger safety training. These grants will make a difference in the effectiveness of our highway safety partners.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the funding for the GHSO grants.
The grants are awarded to agencies that successfully applied for funding based on a defined problem and statistical need. Each year, the GHSO accepts applications from agencies across the state for available highway safety funds. Applications are reviewed and scored by the GHSO and external highway safety advocates. Agencies that meet the criteria for funding receive the awards.
“Grants awarded by the GHSO are provided in areas of need,” said GHSO director Kendell Poole. “Statistics show our problem areas and we strive to put the funding where it will be most effective. We are dedicated to saving lives across Tennessee and pledge to work with grantees statewide to accomplish our mission.”
