Gov. Jim Justice announced that he has awarded $1,286,667 in Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program funds to 43 projects statewide.
These funds will be used to assist state agencies, local units of government, and private non-profit agencies in carrying out specific programs that offer a high probability of improving the functioning of the criminal justice system.
Special emphasis was placed on multi-jurisdictional projects and statewide projects that seek to create and/or retain jobs in the criminal justice system in West Virginia.
These funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, and Bureau of Justice Assistance. They are administered by the Justice and Community Services (JCS) Section of the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services (DAS).
Locally, funds were awarded to the following:
Clay County Commission — $19,750. Funds will be used to employ one or more Prevention Resource Officers (PROs) to act as mentors, role models, and advocates for students in West Virginia schools.