Ferguson Road Two-points Weed and Seed receives $200k in federal funding

by Mike Orren

WHITE ROCK HILLS — From Weed and Seed coordinator Kerry Goodwin:

I'm pleased to provide you with the following important information:

“On behalf of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, it is my pleasure to inform you that the Office of Justice Programs has approved your application for funding under the CCDO FY 07 Weed & Seed Program… in the amount of $200,000 for the Ferguson Road Initiative. This award will enable you to support activities within your Weed and Seed designated area.”

Sincerely,

Regina B. Schofield, Assistant Attorney General

Vikki J. Martin, Executive Director (pro bono) of the Ferguson Road Initiative received the above notification on July 10th. Ms. Martin states that this is the second installment of the five year agreement between the Ferguson Road Initiative – 2-Points Weed & Seed community and the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Community Capacity Development Office. FRI received $175,000 last year.

This year’s budget, approved at our January Steering Committee meeting includes $100,000 for increase law enforcement and crime prevention activities within the 2-Points target area, including $50,000 for Dallas Police Department (DPD) overtime patrols. An additional $100,000 will be used to implement “seeding” programs to improve the quality of life for residents of our community.

FRI and DPD met today to begin the process of implementing and targeting these additional patrols which will include, bike patrols and some special initiatives targeting specific crimes which should start immediately.

I've also attached a copy of the budget/plan summary we approved at our January meeting.