Saginaw and Saginaw County are receiving some much needed funding from the federal government for public safety.

Grant money to the tune of $122 million has come to the Eastern District of Michigan, which is being allocated throughout the district to help police agencies in areas like purchasing road patrol vehicles and other vital equipment, victim’s services and a U.S Department of Justice program called Project Safe Neighborhoods, aimed at reducing gun and gang violence.

Police agencies in Saginaw County like the sheriff’s department and the Saginaw Police Department will receive $1.3 million, broken down as follows:

  • $646,000 to target gang activity
  • $352,000 to Project Safe Neighborhoods
  • $57,000 to the city and sheriff’s department for patrol vehicles
  • $42,000 to nearby Vassar for school safety

There will also be funding for victim’s services and other equipment purchases like body armor. Grants are also planned for Bay and Midland counties.

U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan encourages other departments to work through their local community foundations to apply for crime fighting and safety grants. He says his office can help applicants through the process.