Kentucky to receive anticipated $2.2M in funding for public safety initiatives

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The state of Kentucky will receive millions in federal funding to help increase public safety throughout the commonwealth.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than $2.2 million in anticipated funding Thursday, as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022.

The funding will be awarded through grants—awarded by the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program—to units of state and local governments and nonprofit organizations to increase public safety.

Beshear's office said the Kentucky Crisis Intervention Advisory Board adopted several program areas that will be prioritized when awarding these grants.

Those programs include court and court-based diversion programs; behavioral health initiatives and crisis response; community crisis intervention programs and training; suicide prevention initiatives—particularly programs related to veterans and youth; education and public awareness campaigns and gun safety device distribution.

Through this federal program, Beshear awarded more than $2.1 million to seven organizations in March, including Fayette County Public Schools, the Administrative Office and the Courts and Maryhurst Inc., according to a news release.

"Improving the safety of our New Kentucky Home has been a top priority of mine since my first day in public office," Beshear said in a news release Thursday. "In providing this grant funding, we can continue making our communities safer by working with dedicated partners across the commonwealth."

An application period for grants will open June 30 and close Aug. 8. Awards will be announced in December.

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