Nebraska Awards First Grants Aimed at Crime Prevention

 (Lincoln Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced the first community programs to receive violence prevention funding under a new anti-crime law enacted this year. A total of six projects will receive funding for 2009 to address crime in Omaha and Columbus.

“I want to thank those submitting a request for this new funding,” Gov. Heineman said. “We took an important step this year by establish funding that will help several community groups address crime in communities where these efforts are needed most.”

A total of $350,000 was available as a result of an anti-crime package enacted this year under LB 63. The funding was distributed through a competitive grant process to organizations and government entities submitting violence prevention plans aimed at reducing street and gang violence, as well as reducing homicides and injuries caused by firearms.

The Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (Crime Commission) reviewed the 18 proposals requesting more than $1.5 million in funding. Proposals were considered as part of a grant review process and recommendations were approved today by the Crime Commission.

The six programs receiving funding for 2009 include:

• The Urban League of Nebraska will receive $80,000;
• The Boys and Girls Club of Omaha, receiving $50,000 in funding;
• Omaha Police Department receives $60,000;
• Douglas County Attorney’s Office receives $50,000;
• Empowerment Network/Impact One will receive $40,000 in funding administered by the Omaha Minority Community Development Fund; and
• Platte Valley Diversion of Columbus will receive $60,000 in funding.

The Crime Commission approved that the $280,000 in funding for the five Omaha area projects, plus an additional $10,000, will go to the City of Omaha to administer the violence prevention funds and ensure coordination among grant recipients.

LB 63 was introduced by Sen. Mike Friend and prioritized by Sen. Brad Ashford, both of Omaha.

Sen. Friend said, “LB 63 contained many tools to fight gang related violence. The grants awarded today are important in helping community groups in their efforts to fight back against gang violence and help prevent this kind of violence in other Nebraska communities.”

Sen. Ashford said, “I am very pleased with the speed and efficiency demonstrated by the Crime Commission in the process of awarding these grants. The key to stopping the shooting and the violence in our communities is collaboration between law enforcement and community groups. The focus must be on prevention and intervention. I want to thank all of the individuals and groups submitting proposals to address this critical issue.”