TOPPENISH, Wash. — More than a dozen agencies in Washington state have been awarded funds from the U.S. Department of Justice to aid in crime prevention.
Among the recipients is the Yakama Nation, which is set to receive a $1 million grant aimed at tackling gang and cartel-related drug activity and violent crime on its reservation.
The funding comes from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program , which is designed to support local law enforcement efforts in addressing violent crimes and drug trafficking.
“These grants are specifically to empower our local law enforcement to be able to address violent crimes and other drug trafficking crimes that are impacting our communities,” said Vanessa Waldref, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
The Yakama Nation Public Safety Department will use the $1,028,000 grant to allocate up to four officers to local county and federal drug task forces. The funds will also go toward additional investigative tools and resources to enhance their law enforcement operations.