Press Release

March 9, 2011
CARDIN, MIKULSKI APPLAUD FUNDING FOR CRISFIELD TO PURCHASE NEW POLICE CARS

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced a $32,956 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant for the City of Crisfield to purchase two new police vehicles equipped with video surveillance. 

“Our law enforcement officials are dedicated to protecting our community, but they must have the necessary equipment to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Cardin.  “This grant will enable police officers to protect homeowners and businesses in Crisfield, helping to keep Somerset County safer.” 

“Law enforcement agencies are working hard every day to keep our nation and our neighborhoods safe,” Senator Mikulski said. “I am committed to giving law enforcement the tools they need to clean up the streets, protect our families, and fight the crime that is destroying communities.”

The USDA grant will be used to buy two police vehicles equipped with video surveillance, which will be used to in criminal investigations.  The 11-member Crisfield Police Department is in need of the new vehicles because two of its police cars are no longer in service. According to Crisfield Police Chief Michael Tabor, the city’s crime rate is at a 30-year low, down 81% from four years ago.  Chief Tabor attributes the decline to a strong police presence and says the new equipment is important to continuing efforts to deter crime in Crisfield.

In addition to the Rural Development grant, the City of Crisfield will provide $10,986, bringing the total project funding to $43,942.  USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.  Last year, the agency provided more than $472 million in assistance to rural Maryland, $71 million of that came from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.  

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