Norwalk Gets Money to Fight Violent Crime
WASHINGTON – Norwalk will receive $225,000 for programs to reduce crime and drug use and revitalize neighborhoods in South Norwalk, Senators Chris Dodd, D-Conn, and Joe Lieberman, D-Conn, announced Tuesday.
“This grant will help to strengthen the partnerships between Norwalk’s police department and the community that protect innocent Connecticut citizens from harm,” Lieberman said in a statement.
The federal money comes from the Justice Department and will be used in South Norwalk primarily to reduce violent crime, drug trafficking and gang activities, and increase police presence and community involvement.
“No amount of money can do as much as a caring parent, teacher or neighbor to prevent kids from falling into unhealthy behaviors that include violence and substance abuse,” Dodd said. “But there are things that the federal government can do to support families, schools and communities and help them do the best possible job in raising their children. This funding is one such initiative, and I am hopeful that it will provide some much-needed resources to help kids in the neighborhoods of South Norwalk get a better shot at a better life.”
Norwalk has been involved with Justice’s so-called “weed and seed” program since January1996. The program gives grant money to high-crime neighborhoods to “weed out” violence and crime and establish health, cultural, educational and recreational services in the communities.
This grant is the third for South Norwalk since February 2001.
“Residents and the city of Norwalk have worked hard to develop an effective weed and seed program,” said Shays. “With three grants in two years, the U.S. Department of Justice is clearly recognizing Norwalk’s job well done.”
