Pubdate: Mon, 26 May 2008
Source: Times-Journal, The (Fort Payne, AL)
Copyright: 2008 Times-Journal
Contact:  http://www.times-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1883
Author: Kelly Townsend

DRUG TASK FORCE GETS FUNDING

Less than a week ago, the DeKalb County Drug Task Force was unsure
whether funding would be available for an annual $100,000 grant.

But DeKalb County Drug Task Force Director Darrell  Collins said
Friday his fears were put to rest when the  U.S. Senate passed a $12.5
million budget for drug task  enforcement across the state.

"There is actually a little more money available this  year than in
the past," Collins said.

He said there had been talk the grant would cease to  exist, but was
happy that did not prove to be the case.

"We could have functioned without the money, but not to  the degree we
are now," Collins said. "Especially with  gasoline prices the way they
are now."

He said the grant money helps to offset operation and  equipment costs.

So, during the DeKalb County Commission meeting  Tuesday, Collins said
a decision would once again have  to be made on whether or not to pass
a matching grant.

"We've been getting the grant for six years," Collins said.

He explained that originally it was a grant that needed  a 25 percent
match.

But then a couple of years ago, according to Collins,  the grant went
to a 50/50 grant.

As for what the current grant will be, Collins said the  state was
still working on ironing out those details.

"Hopefully, we will know something by [today's]  meetings," Collins
said.

DeKalb County Administrator Matt Sharp said it would be  up to the
commission to decided if it wants to provide  the 50 percent match,
which is funded by the operations  of the Task Force.
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MAP posted-by: Derek