Charlotte, NC- Congressman Mel Watt (NC-12) issued the following statement congratulating the cities of Charlotte and High Point and Winston-Salem State University on receiving grants from the Department of Justice’s “Weed and Seed” Program.  This initiative aims to prevent, control and reduce violent crime, drug abuse and gang activity with a two-pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in "weeding out" violent criminals and drug abusers and public agencies and community-based private organizations collaborate to "seed" human services including prevention, intervention, treatment and neighborhood restoration programs.  A community-oriented policing component bridges the weeding and seeding elements.

Congressman Watt said: “I was happy to support these requests for funding to support this innovative program.  This grant focuses crime-fighting resources in high risk areas while addressing the roots of crime that are essential to keeping our neighborhoods safe.”