HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-28 08-081 RESOLVEItem NO, 08 081
I.77PNWZ1!--
Item/Subject: Resol Calling Upon the Federal Government to Increase Funding for the
Byrne Memorial Justice Grant Program and for the State of Maine to Provide
Additional Funding to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Responsible Department: Police
Commentary:
Ata recent Municipal Operations Committee meeting, Chief Gears beefed the Commismeon federal
reductions to the Byrne Memorial Justice Grant Program. The State of Maine primarily uses this
source of funding N support the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. The federal budget reduces
funding for this program by 67% In the next year. Without additional state or federal funding,the
services provided by MDEA areatrisk. Consequences for the Bangor area could include an increase
in drug related crimes and health Issues, reduced drug education efforts, and a requirement to
Increase funding N other local law enforcement agenciesthat will betasked with assuming greater
dmg errfarcement efforts. Itshould also be noted drat by their very nature, drug investigations are
not confined W single jurisdictions and mise complex enforcement issues that individual agencies,
including our own Police Department, are not In a position to address.
Substance abuse has been recognized as a growing problem in our region and this is not the time
for drug enforcement and education efforts to be reduced.
The Committee requested Nata Resolve be drafted calling upon the federal governmeritto restore
the cuts made to this program and for the State to take the necessary steps to insure that MDEA
continues to have the necessary resources W support its cunent personnel and operations.
Department Head
Manager's Comments:
Recommend approval.
City Manager
Budget Approval 1 .
Finance Director
Legal Approval:
Cry Solicitor
Introduced For
X Passage
_
Most Reading Page _ M_
Rn rml
53 081
January 28, 2008
Aaatgned to councilor Chorler
CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.) Resolve, Calling Upon the Federal Government to Increase Funding for the Byrne
Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and for the State of Maine to Provide
Additional Funding W the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
WHEREAS, the federal government has recently reduced funding for the Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant Program from $520 million to $170.4 million, a reduction of 67%; and
WHEREAS, the State of Maine uses funds received through this program W support the Maine Drug
Enforcement Agency, the agency responsible for providing state-wide drug enforcement and
support W agencies that request assistance in handling specific illegal drug activities; and
WHEREAS, Maine's Byrne Grant funding will he reduced from his current $1,716,012 to an estimated
$597,800 for the coming year, and
WHEREAS, without additional funding, significant reductions in the essential services Provided by MDEA
are inevitable, resulting in substantial consequences for the Bangor area including an
Increase in drug related comes and health issues, reduced education efforts, and an increase
In resource requirements of individual police departments throughout Maine; and
WHEREAS, it must be emphasized that by their very nature, drug Investigations are not confined to
single jurisdictions and involve complex enforcement issues that individual agencies,
Including the Bangor Police Department are not prepared to handle; and
WHEREAS, illegal substance abuse is a significant problem in the Bangor region that an only be
addressed by continuing education efforts, effective treatment programs, and coordinated,
regional law enforcement efforts; and
WHEREAS, It Is essential, therefore, that the Maine Dmg Enforcement Agency continue to be funded at
an appropriate level lira[ will allow it, at a minimum, W continue to operate with Its current
staffing and resource levels;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE =OF BANGOR THAT
We call upon our Federal Legislative Delegation to undertake its best efforts to rapidly restore the
fi rMing cuts made to the Byrne Memonal Justice Assistance Gram Program in recognition of the impact
of these reductions on drug enforcement efforts throughout the State of Maine and the Bangor region.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT
We ail upon the Some of Maine to take the necessary steps to insure that the Maine Drug Enforcement
Agency is provided with adequate resources to continue W operate with its current staffing and resource
levels and to work with other local Maine communities and State and National organizations to restore
Funding to the Byrne Grant Program.
®CW WWML
Jaaa" 28. 2008
MotNadand d seconded
ss
fu rb sa
CIw CLeR[
x
At
a HUGH
tO lijInC ease F¢ pion the Fecln.- B l 6dve [
" Saeieaseistad£ag £oc [he By a moral
thestn Asaistaace Great Rona end for
Eoe state of Maine to x ide Add�tioml
Age B
to oBe¢c9 I.
"Lped to Coaaeuo.(A
it
_r