Clark County Pursues $100M Grant for Public Safety

0:00Clark County is hustling to snag part of a $100 million state grant for public safety, aiming to kick start hiring five new deputies at the sheriff's office. The state would cover 75% of those upfront costs for hiring and gear. Deadline hits today for the first round through Washington's public safety funding program. Earlier this week at the council meeting, staff wrapped up the final details on their pitch and the council backed the application push. Finance Director Larry Stafford says this speeds up recruitment with long-term funding coming from a new criminal justice sales tax. Locals and officials see this as a big win for boosting law enforcement amidst staffing shortages. The sales tax at 0.1% got county approval last year, tied to a state law that lets places like this adopted without a vote by June 2028. This grant is key because the law requires eligibility for it before collecting that tax. Stafford expected the application five Monday, setting the stage for quicker patrols and safer streets.

1:01If they score the funds, council votes next to lock it in, keeping the momentum rolling on public safety upgrades. That's your update from Canada News Today, powered by AI.