Federal funds reach Mulberry, area law enforcement operations

More than $373,000 for law enforcement and senior citizen support are heading to the city of Mulberry, Sebastian County and the city of Fort Smith.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe announced Wednesday that Mulberry will receive $250,000 to build a senior citizen center as part of 11 grants worth almost $3 million. The money is from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The money is administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. To be eligible for CDBG funds, communities must have a population of less than 50,000 and a majority of households earn low to moderate income.
 
The office of U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, announced that a member of his staff would present the Sebastian County Sheriffs Department and the Fort Smith Police Department a check for $123,916. The money comes from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.
 
“Equipping our law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to protect our communities is essential,” Boozman said in a statement. “These grants are a great investment that allows us to provide more services and resources to keep our citizens safe.”
 
Sebastian County will use its funds to purchase 19 digital in-car video systems to install in patrol vehicles. Fort Smith will uses its share of funds to buy a 911 training simulator and assist in equipping an Emergency Operations/Response Center.