Pubdate: Thu, 10 Nov 2005
Source: City Paper, The (TN)
Copyright: 2005, The City Paper,LLC
Contact:  http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3080
Author: Judith R. Tackett

WAR ON METH GAINS FEDERAL FUNDING

Tennessee's Congressional delegation was successful in securing $13 
million in projects for the state in this year's Commerce 
appropriation bill, including $3 million to fight methamphetamine abuse.

The projects are included in the conference report of the House and 
Senate bills, and expected to survive for the final votes in Congress.

"This is an important piece of legislation that supports law 
enforcement, scientific research, technical innovation, and economic 
growth across Tennessee," Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said.

The bill includes $4 million in statewide funding with $3 million 
allocated to a new Tennessee Statewide Methamphetamine Task Force 
concentrating on training and equipment needed to address the state's 
meth crisis, and with $1 million for the Tennessee Bureau of 
Investigation to develop a statewide crime tracking system.

Projects specific to Middle Tennessee include:

* $500,000 for the Nashville Drug Court Support Foundation, the 
nonprofit organization that supports operational needs of the 
Davidson County Drug Court;

* $360,000 for the Tennessee Technological University to support 
methamphetamine detection and remediation research;

* $300,000 for the Sun-Climate and Extrasolar Planets Research 
Program at Tennessee State University;

* $200,000 for the Bridges to the Universe program at the Adventure 
Science Center; and

* $200,000 for the Project Return Adult Offender Program in Nashville.

"This bill funds important education and scientific research 
initiatives that will help Tennessee students, universities and 
businesses maintain our competitive edge in a global economy," Sen. 
Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman