
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 24, 1994                   TAG: 9402240174
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

U.S. GIVES VA. $8.5 MILLION TO FIGHT CRIME

The U.S. Department of Justice said Wednesday that Virginia has been awarded $8.5 million to help state and local authorities fight violent and drug-related crime.

The state received $10 million last year, said Joe Marshall, programs coordinator for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The department evaluates funding requests and distributes the federal funds.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance is providing the money under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. States are required to give a share of the federal funds to local governments.

A total of $358 million is available to states under the formula grant program this year. The award amounts are based on each state's population.

The Clinton administration proposed eliminating the program in the upcoming federal fiscal year.

States can use the federal funds to support the fight against violent and drug-related crime. Five percent of the funds must be used to improve state criminal history records.

The deadline for localities and agencies to apply for money is March 31, Marshall said. State officials will decide where funds will go in the spring.

by CNB