Local police awarded federal grant

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Local law enforcement officials awarded a federal grant.

U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett presented the city of Terre Haute with a check for nearly $16,000 Tuesday afternoon.

It comes from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program.

The money can be used to support a range of activities that help prevent and control crimes.

The police department plans on buying a boat, so they don't have to depend as much on other agencies when they need to be in the water.

"This will give us the ability to be on water and be able to execute warrants or do surveillance or whatever we need to do in order to fight crime," said Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett.

In addition to city police, about $3,000 will go to the Vigo County Drug Court.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program was created in 2004 by Congress, to help streamline funding and grant administration.

For more information on the program, click here.