Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday approved the fiscal year 2009 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which includes $4.7 million in funding requested by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) for key California projects.

The following are projects sought by Senator Boxer that were included in the bill:

Infant and Toddler CASA Program, Los Angeles County:
The committee approved $375,000 in funding for a highly specialized Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program focusing on early intervention and permanent placement of infants and toddlers in the foster care system. This funding will enable CASA of Los Angeles, in conjunction with the Zero to Three Los Angeles program, to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to address the unique needs of infants and toddlers under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles dependency court.

Boxer said, “The emotional, mental, and physical development of our children is of the utmost importance, especially during their earliest years of life. This funding will enable the CASA program to better support infants and toddlers who may be abused or neglected.”

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G.R.E.A.T. Program, San Bernardino County:
The committee approved $500,000 from the Department of Justice’s Byrne Grant Program for the City of San Bernardino. Funds will be used to help support a school-based partnership that provides Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) and case management to high-risk youth.

Boxer said, “Earlier this year, I was proud to visit with the first class to graduate from the G.R.E.A.T. program in San Bernardino. The community of San Bernardino has worked hard to provide a safe and productive environment for its children and to prevent further gang violence. This funding will help them continue to expand their efforts and provide our youth with a brighter future.”

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“Grow our Own” Police Recruitment Program, City of Oakland:
The committee approved $300,000 in funding to support the “Grow our Own” Police Recruitment Program, which is aimed at filling 40 patrol officer positions within the Oakland Police Department with Oakland residents.

This program will improve public safety by attracting and retaining those who understand the challenges Oakland faces and who are committed to reducing crime and violence in their community.

Boxer said, “Violence has already touched the lives of too many. That is why it is so important to bolster this police recruitment program, which will go a long way toward helping our families and law enforcement in Oakland.”

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Operation Peacekeepers, City of Stockton:
The committee approved $200,000 in funding needed to quell the intense and frequent violent crime committed by “high” at-risk youth, many of whom are gang affiliated. Currently, there are 2,660 documented gang members in over 90 identifiable gangs in Stockton.

These grant funds will be used to cover over-time pay for six Youth Gang Outreach Workers. In addition, funding will be used to cover the costs of books, GED testing, school tuition, tutoring, and other needs of at-risk youth.

Boxer said, “The Operation Peacekeepers program will help improve the lives of our at-risk youth by providing them with the support and tools to succeed in life. I am pleased that this funding will strengthen anti-gang initiatives for Stockton area youth.”

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Law Enforcement Voice Radio Interoperable Communication Infrastructure Upgrade, City of Inglewood:
The committee approved $500,000 in funding to help the Inglewood Police Department join the local Los Angeles law enforcement consortium known as “ICIS,” or Interagency Communications Interoperability System. The Inglewood Police Department still uses a dated analog radio system for its radio traffic. Upgrading will allow them to use ICIS to coordinate with nine Municipal Police Agencies from L.A. County during emergencies.

Boxer said, “This new radio system will undoubtedly help the Inglewood Police Department save time, money, and, most importantly, lives.”

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“Never Give Up!” Gang Prevention Initiative, Fresno:
The committee approved $300,000 in funding for the growth of the Fresno-based, “Never Give Up!” gang prevention initiative. Funds will be used to expand the City’s anti-gang efforts throughout the County of Fresno and possibly other Central Valley areas, an essential step in addressing the increasing gang problem in the region.

Boxer said, “This funding makes an important investment in gang prevention programs that will help keep our kids safe and provide them with a real alternative to drugs, gangs and violence.”

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Enhanced Public Safety Equipment Program, City of Oakland (Requested jointly with Senator Feinstein):
The committee approved $500,000 in funding for the Enhanced Public Safety Equipment Program to help Oakland police officers effectively patrol streets, implement community policing, train new recruits, and upgrade the technological capabilities of the force.

The City will use the funding to install audio and video recording devices in patrol and specialized vehicle units; purchase firearms, holsters, and related equipment; purchase and install laptops for specialized field units; and, purchase 40 new patrol vehicles to replace and upgrade an aging fleet.

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Regional Communications System, East Bay (requested jointly with Senator Feinstein):
The committee approved $500,000 in additional funding for the construction and modernization of the East Bay Regional Communications System, a two-county system allowing for shared, interoperable communications between different agencies and disciplines. The communications system will serve Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

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NOAA Seafloor Mapping Project (Requested jointly with Senator Feinstein):
The committee approved $1,500,000 for the California Seafloor Mapping Program that will supplement state funds to complete mapping of uncharted California state waters, providing information on seafloor substrate, marine habitat types, and underwater topography.



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