Senate Panel Approves Over 4 Million for Oregon in Commerce, Science and Justice Funding Bill

Funds Will Help Support Local Law Enforcement and Increase Public Safety

Monday, June 29, 2009

Washington D.C. - Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that a senate panel has approved legislation which includes over $4  million for Oregon projects.  The projects will fund violence and drug prevention efforts as well as give local law enforcement the tools they need to protect local communities.  The bill includes funding for prevention and enforcement of illegal drug activity, assistance for at-risk youth, and updated equipment for local law enforcement.  It will now be sent to the full Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“We must ensure that Oregon police officers have the necessary resources to help keep our citizens safe,” said Merkley.  “These funds will increase public safety efforts and help prevent violence and drug abuse that can ravage local communities.”

“We need to be sure that Oregon’s law enforcement agencies are given the means to do their jobs and do them well,” Wyden said. “This funding will improve emergency services throughout the state, boost efforts to combat illegal drugs, and provide for public outreach services that go a long way to making our streets safer.”

Projects in Commerce, Science and Justice Appropriations bill include:

Marion County Kid’s First Initiative - $740,000
Funds will be used to target resources to successful programs and services focused on children affected by meth addiction in “high-risk” families.

Jackson County Consolidated 911 Dispatch Center - $710,000
Funds will be used to consolidate two existing aged dispatch centers into one new modern center.

South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team (SCINT) - $600,000
Funds will be used to increase regional efforts to counter illegal drug activities and promote public safety.

Oregon State Police Mobile Data Center - $500,000
Funds will be spent to upgrade and enhance applications to allow secure mobile access for Oregon State Police Officers and to develop applications that can generate reports, write citations, and support mobile video systems.

Lane County Public Safety Technology Improvements – $500,000
Funds will be used to make improvements for regional training, security and communications facilities.

Project Clean Slate - $450,000
Funds will be used to support a program that reduces legal and practical barriers from individuals who can’t obtain housing, employment, education and other services.

Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) - $300,000
Funds will be used to provide services to sexual assault victims as well as support efforts to prevent sexual assault through education.

The Multidisciplinary Institute for Neuropsychiatric Diagnosis at OHSU - $200,000
Funds will be used to research and develop tests for psychiatric disorders associated with methamphetamine abuse.

Washington County Drug Court - $100,000
Funds will be used in conjunction with State and local resources to sustain and enhance operation of the Washington County Drug Court. 

Clackamas County Interagency Meth Initiative - $100,000
Funding will be used to curb the epidemic use of methamphetamine in Clackamas County.

Rx to Save Teens’ Lives - $100,000
Funds will be used to prevent prescription drug abuse through education programs for youth and parents as well as launching a statewide media campaign aimed at informing residents about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.