Johnson, Watertown Officials Discuss Recovery Act Impact

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today met with Watertown officials to see firsthand the impact the economic stimulus package has made on rural crime prevention. The City of Watertown received $1,568,993 from the U.S. Department of Justice through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"This project is an excellent example of how Federal investment can put people to work, and make our communities safer," said Johnson. "I have traveled across the state to see the impact of the Recovery Act and to make sure the money is being spent wisely. Watertown officials have done an excellent job using innovative techniques to help keep their residents safe."

In 2009, Watertown received stimulus funding to make technology upgrades that link multiple law enforcement jurisdictions to data-sharing networks, which improves rural law enforcement.

Johnson was joined at the event by Watertown Mayor Gary Williams, Watertown Police Chief Joanna Vitek, Watertown Police Information Systems Technician Jim Mulholland, Scott McMahon, Captain, Support Services, Tracy Schaefer, Captain, Special Ops, Lee McPeek, Assistant Chief and Pat Culhane, Commander, Codington County Search and Rescue.

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