Murtha announces funding for police departments
Local police departments will receive some financial assistance. U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, announced Wednesday that the House Appropriations Committee passed a $56.8 billion Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill for the 2009 fiscal year that will provide funding for local police departments and programs.
The appropriations bill includes $2,000,000 for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Technologies program, which supports police departments in Allegheny, Armstrong, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties by offering grants to purchase computers, communication devices, police vehicles and other necessary equipment. The money also is used to provide necessary training to ensure officer safety.
The appropriations bill also includes $1,100,000 for a Correctional Education Clearinghouse and Educational Program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
The program will establish a comprehensive database to analyze trends in correctional education training across the country and the data will then be used by the university to develop a teaching standard and graduate degree for correctional instructors.
Also included in the appropriations bill is $350,000 for the Center for Global Competitiveness at St. Francis University and St. Vincent College.
Since 1993, the Center for Global Competitiveness has assisted small businesses throughout the region in exploring new and expanded international and domestic marketing opportunities.
Services made available through the center include individualized marketing consulting, international trade assistance, international trade event promotion, videoconferencing facilities, global assistance grants, training seminars and newsletters.