Money to Fight South Seattle Gangs Passes Full US Senate

Senator Patty Murray's office sent out an email today announcing $1-million dollars in federal funding to combat gangs in Seattle and King County had been approved by the full US Senate.

$300-thousand of those dollars are expected to go to the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. 

Here's how Senator Murray's email describes the program and how the funds will be used:

Gangs pose a growing threat in Seattle and King County and both have experienced rising gang activity over the past year.  The 2009 National Gang Threat Assessment indicates increased gang activity in the Pacific Northwest and reports that in some communities gangs are responsible for as much as eighty percent of all violent crime. 

These programs are proven responses to violence and gang activity that threaten public safety and our children’s future.  The SYVPI targets communities in the southeast, southwest, and central areas of Seattle with higher concentrations of youth violence than other areas of the City and brings together a coalition of law enforcement, mentors, churches, schools, social services providers and community leaders to provide prevention services for at-risk youth.  The SYVPI will enhance safety for these families and increase the likelihood that their youth will finish school, engage in positive activities, and become contributing members of their communities.

This money was included in the 2010 Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill.  The bill passed the Senate 71-28.