Gov. Gregoire Announces Federal Recovery Money to Help Crime Victims

Press Release

Gov. Gregoire Announces Federal Recovery Money to Help Crime Victims

Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the state Office of Crime Victims Advocacy was awarded $933,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to support crime victim service providers. This award will create 14 new jobs for victim advocates and retain four other positions across Washington state.

Funding will be distributed from the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) to service providers for victims of crimes including sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse will benefit from the services provided by these advocates.

"I am pleased to see recovery funding going straight to our communities to serve crime victims," said Gregoire. "I applaud the hard work of the Office of Crime Victim's Advocacy for recognizing this federal funding opportunity and ensuring Washingtonians can benefit."

The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, part of the CTED, works in partnership with over 250 local agencies to provide confidential services to victims of crime.

Current victim service contractors in Washington were eligible to compete for the Recovery Act funds. The new crime victim service advocates will be at work in their communities by July. A complete list of contactors receiving grants follows the announcement below.

Last month, events in Washington and across the country marked the 25th anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act. The act affirmed our nation's commitment to helping crime victims rebuild their lives. The Victims of Crime Act established a fund which continues to support Washington's compensation and victim assistance programs.

"Our people and quality of life are among Washington state's most precious assets," said Rogers Weed, Director of the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. "The crime victim advocates hired with this Recovery funding will help preserve a valuable community service during these trying economic times."

Washington state is administering the federal Recovery Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire created a new Web site (www.recovery.wa.gov) enabling every Washingtonian to see where their tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Barack Obama has appointed Vice President Joe Biden to oversee all states' recovery efforts and to root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars are put to good use and recharge the economy.

CTED is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington and is administering more than $200 million in Recovery funding. For more information, visit www.cted.wa.gov.

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