Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer and the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) Director Kendell Poole have announced $21.1 million in grants to Tennessee agencies to support highway traffic safety efforts.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and the Alexandria Police Department are each receiving a $5,000 High Visibility Enforcement Grant. The Smithville Police Department is getting an Impaired Driving Enforcement Grant in the amount of $20,000.
The funds support the mission of the GHSO. The goal is to save lives and reduce injuries on Tennessee roadways through leadership, innovation, coordination and program support in partnership with numerous public and private organizations.
“Having safe roads is critical to our mission of making Tennessee a better place to live, work and raise a family,” Governor Haslam said. “As we continue our work with local and state agencies, these grants support these important efforts to make our roadways safer.”
There are multiple elements that contribute to a safe roadway system. Some of those aspects are an accurate traffic safety data collection and analysis system, well-trained and well-equipped law enforcement personnel, and effective emergency medical and trauma systems. A major part of roadway safety is educating motorists about laws and good driving behaviors.
“These grants help fund a variety of safety initiatives across the state including speed enforcement, first responder equipment, Specialized Impaired Driving prosecutors and child passenger safety training,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “These grants will make a difference and help save lives.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the funding to the GHSO. The grants, totaling 434 for the 2014 funding cycle, were awarded to 370 agencies that successfully applied for funding based on a defined problem and statistical need. Each year, the GHSO accepts applications from agencies across the state for available highway safety funds. Applications are reviewed and scored by the GHSO and external highway safety advocates. The agencies that meet the criteria for funding received awards.
“Grants awarded by our office are provided in areas of need,” GHSO Director Kendell Poole said. “Statistics show our problem areas and we strive to put the funding where it will be most effective. We are dedicated to saving lives across Tennessee and pledge to work with grantees statewide to accomplish our mission.”
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