Highway safety grants approved

State Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) said she has been informed that three Highway Safety Grants have been awarded to law enforcement agencies in Cannon County. The grants support efforts to reduce the number of people killed and injured in traffic crashes in Tennessee.

"These awards are very important to our local law enforcement agencies," said Sen. Beavers. "They will be put to good use in keeping our roads safer."

The grants include:
$10,270.50 to the Cannon County Rescue Squad for the First Responder Initiative;
$20,000 to the Cannon County Sheriff's Department for their Alcohol Enforcement Project; and
$24,998.93 to the Woodland Alcohol Countermeasures

In addition, a $197,350 grant was awarded to the 16th Judicial District, of which Cannon County is a part, for DUI abatement and prosecution enhancement.

Beavers said the awards will be disbursed by the Governor's Highway Safety Office (GHSO). The grants are provided to agencies that successfully applied for funding based on problem and statistical need. Applications were reviewed and scored by the GHSO and external highway safety advocates.

"The funds are essential in helping us curb drunk driving," added Senator Beavers, who has sponsored numerous laws cracking down on DUI offenders. "The grants should have a great impact in reducing the number of alcohol-related crashes."