CONGRESSWOMAN SYLVIA GARCIA ANNOUNCES $3.4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO STRENGTHEN PUBLIC SAFETY ACROSS COMMUNITIES

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) recently announced nearly $3.4 million+ in federal funds for both Texas and TX-29 public safety projects and crime reduction initiatives. Granted by the Department of Justice (DOJ), these funds will go to various community improvement programs and neighborhood safety programs across the lone star state and Houston region.

"Texans across the Houston region and my district deserve the best and safest communities possible," said Congresswoman Garcia. "These generous federal grants from the DOJ will strengthen mental health services, reduce crime, and reinforce protections against sexual assault. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these funds will have in our communities."

Specifically, the following grants will be awarded:

· $1,500,000 for the Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety to hire two full-time investigators and a grant specialist to continue the investigation and prosecution of cold case sexual assaults in Texas

· $750,000 for the Santa Maria Hostel in Houston disorder treatment and recovery center to invest in their social services

· $550,000for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to hire a qualified manager who will facilitate the training and development of 20 inmates as Certified Mental Health Peer Support Specialists. The grant also provides funding for the Texas Correctional Office to employ up to two graduates of the program

· $528,041 for the Office of the Governor – Public Safety Office to distribute grants to Southeast Houston and Northwest Harris County agencies and organizations that aim at making a positive impact by reducing crime

· $62,446 for the City of Pasadena to strengthen local crime prevention initiatives

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.