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Texas Gov. Perry Releases $19.5 million for Hurricane Recovery Public Safety Efforts.

Gov. Rick Perry announced the release of $19.5 million to the city of Houston and Harris County to support public safety efforts in response to the residual impact of Hurricane Katrina. These federal grant funds are part of a Congressional earmark to support hurricane recovery efforts in Texas. The grants are awarded under the federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and are distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD).



"The Houston area opened its arms to an astounding number of Katrina evacuees, and the influx of new residents created a challenge for the community," Perry said. "These grants will go a long way toward ensuring local law enforcement agencies have the manpower and tools they need to keep citizens safe. I commend the members of the Texas congressional delegation who fought for these much-needed funds."



Houston will be awarded $18 million and Harris County will receive $1.5 million. These funds will be used to address increased crime and other demands for services by hiring additional public safety employees; to pay overtime to existing personnel; to provide improved investigative and communication equipment; and to expand information and intelligence systems.



Each year, CJD awards more than $113 million in grants for a variety of juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim services programs.