Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer and Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole have announced the Tennessee agencies that received grant awards totaling more than $24.2 million to support highway traffic safety efforts.
The Alexandria and Smithville Police Departments have each been approved for grants. Alexandria will receive a $5,000 High Visibility Enforcement grant for Police Traffic Service and Smithville is to get a $25,000 grant for Smithville Alcohol Enforcement.
The funds support the mission of GHSO 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,” Haslam said. “These grants will support the efforts of highway safety agencies and advocates to reduce the number of people killed and injured in traffic crashes in Tennessee each year.”
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 enforcement, legal and educational initiatives across the state including speed enforcement, first responder equipment purchases, DUI prosecutors and child passenger safety training,” Schroer said. “These grants will make a difference in the effectiveness of our highway safety partners.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the funding to GHSO. The grants, totaling 449 for the 2014-2015 funding cycle, were awarded to 386 agencies that successfully applied for funding based on a defined problem and statistical need. Each year, GHSO accepts applications from agencies across the state for available highway safety funds. Applications are reviewed and scored by GHSO and external highway safety advocates. The agencies that meet the criteria for funding received awards.
“Our grantees are the backbone of GHSO,” Director Kendell Poole said. “It takes everyone working together to make a difference. We are dedicated to saving lives across Tennessee and pledge to work with grantees statewide to accomplish our mission.”
For more information about GHSO, visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.
For a complete list and description of each grant, visit http://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2014/GHSO-FY2015GrantAwards.pdf
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