Larson: City of Hartford To Receive Over $4 Million in COPS Recovery Act Funding

For Immediate Release

July 28, 2009

Contact: Paul Mounds: 860-278-8888

Larson:City of Hartford To Receive Over $4 Million in COPS Recovery Act Funding

Washington, D.C.- U.S. CongressmanJohn B. Larson (CT-01) joined Vice President Joseph Biden and Attorney GeneralEric Holder today to announce that the City of Hartford will receive $4,265,672in Recovery Act funding to fund the hiring and rehiring of 23 law enforcement officers.The funding, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office ofCommunity Oriented Policing Services, will provide relief to the city's localbudget while enhancing public safety by increasing the number of lawenforcement officers in the community.

"The Recovery Acthas renewed our nation's commitment to public safety. The current economiccrisis facing the nation has financially crippled our states and cities causingcuts in law enforcement that sacrifice their overall security and well-being," said Congressman Larson."This funding will support 23 officersin Hartford over a three year period at no cost to the residents or the city.We cannot afford significant cuts in the number of police on the street in thecapital city, and this COPS grant will ensure our communities remain safe."

Theannouncement today in total will provide $1 billion in grants to fund thehiring and rehiring of 4,699 law enforcement officers across the country. Thegrant provides 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry levelofficer positions over a three year period. The City of Hartford was one of three police departments in Connecticutto receive COPS Recovery Act funding.

###