Aug 11 2003

Charleston Receives $225,000 Crime-Fighting Grant

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the City of Charleston has been awarded a $225,000 grant to support the Weed and Seed programs in the city. Weed and Seed is a strategy which aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in targeted high-crime neighborhoods. The strategy involves a two-pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in ‘weeding out’ criminals who participate in violent crime and drug abuse, attempting to prevent their return to the targeted area; and ‘seeding’ brings human services to the area, encompassing prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood revitalization. This is the third award for the Charleston program which serves the city’s central business district, historic district, major educational and medical facilities, and four neighborhoods immediately adjacent to these areas. During this project period, program goals include reducing drug trafficking, illegal drug use and associated crime; increasing interaction between law enforcement agencies, residents, and business owners; focusing on faith-based/community based programs that target youth and provide positive alternatives to crime; and eliminating blight and deterioration in the target areas. “We need to ensure all our neighborhoods are safe from crime and drug abuse,” said Graham. “The programs funded through these grants take a unique approach to achieving that goal.” The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####