Congresswoman Scholten Announces $249,404 in Federal Funding for Public Safety Investments Across West Michigan

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced $249,404 in federal funding for the City of Wyoming, the City of Kentwood, and the City of Grand Rapids and Kent County, through the U.S. Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The funding will support public safety equipment, community policing, and emergency response capabilities across West Michigan.

"Keeping our communities safe requires consistent investments in the personnel and tools that protect them," said Congresswoman Scholten. "From new patrol equipment on our trails to community policing programs and emergency operations upgrades, this funding reflects the kind of practical, on-the-ground investment that makes a real difference here in West Michigan. I am proud to support the local leaders and first responders on the front lines of this work every day."

Individual awards listed below:

• $196,530 - City of Grand Rapids and Kent County

  • This funding will support the City of Grand Rapids' Neighborhood-Based Public Safety program, which organizes block clubs and neighborhood watch groups, and will fund technology upgrades for Kent County's Emergency Operations Center.

• $33,574 - City of Wyoming

  • This funding will support the purchase and upfit of a street-legal utility task vehicle (UTV) for public safety patrols on the city's nonmotorized trail network and at large community events.

• $19,300 - City of Kentwood

  • This funding will support the establishment of the city's Bicycle Program, used for public safety at festivals and parades, proactive enforcement in parks and commercial areas, and support for the County Metro Field Force protecting critical infrastructure.

This funding reflects Congresswoman Scholten's ongoing work to strengthen public safety infrastructure across West Michigan. In March, the Congresswoman secured $750,000 in federal funding for the Kent County Sheriff's Office through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process.

###