House Approves $1 million for West County programs

The House of Representatives today approved $1 million for three anti-crime and at-risk youth programs in the East Bay, announced Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez) who requested the funding from Congress. The money will go to the San Pablo Police Department and two programs in Richmond that will provide opportunities for at-risk youth. Today’s House vote is a key step, but not the final stop, for approval of this funding. Final approval is expected in September.

“This funding is an investment in the youth of our community and will also assist local law enforcement to control crime,” Miller said. “It will provide job training and educational opportunities that will not only help our young residents succeed but will continue vital services to our community. Year after year, both Richmond programs we are funding have helped give kids direction and purpose. And San Pablo’s police continue to combine hard work and innovative technology to keep crime levels down. I am proud to continue to be able to secure funding for these programs that directly help improve our community.”

The funding would support the Richmond Police Activities League's CHAMP program, the Richmond Black Professional Firefighters Association's Youth Academy Program, and the implementation of a gunshot location system in San Pablo.

For the past two years, Miller has secured funding for the two Richmond youth programs. This is the first year that San Pablo is requesting funding for their project. The funding has to be approved by the Senate and gain the President's signature before it can be awarded.

Details of what the House approved today are below.

$250,000 Richmond Youth Academy
Richmond Black Professional Firefighters Association
The program assists at-risk youth in West Contra Costa County in identifying and obtaining goals and life skills by providing mentoring, growth and educational programs. The program is structured to help reduce juvenile delinquency and violence in the community.

$390,000 Changing Habits, Attitudes & Mind Program (CHAMP)
Richmond Police Activities League
The Changing Habits, Attitudes & Mind Program (CHAMP) program creates opportunities for the healthy physical, social and mental development of at-risk youth. The program addresses the needs of those who are involved in juvenile crime and violence by providing comprehensive programs. This increases the chances that they will become productive citizens in their community.

$360,000 Gunshot Location System
San Pablo, CA Police Department
San Pablo’s police force is currently stretched beyond its means as they attempt to respond to crime and gang violence. An increased coverage area will assist both San Pablo and Richmond, CA, police departments in fighting violence. Neighboring Richmond has previously received federal funding and is currently implementing the system.

The funds were allocated as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. The Appropriations Act is one of twelve FY2010 appropriations (spending) bills that the House will consider this summer to fund the federal government. The complete list of Miller’s appropriations requests can be found on his website at georgemiller.house.gov/appropsFY10.

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