Due to lack of local funding, this project is to purchase fully equipped patrol vehicles for the blount county sheriff's department

This $400,000 federal Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (CFDA 16.753 Congressionally Recommended Awards) will enable the Blount County Commission to purchase fully equipped patrol vehicles for the Blount County Sheriff's Department. The award will fund the acquisition of these vehicles from an approved vendor in compliance with state procurement requirements. The vehicles will serve the 642 square mile Blount County area with a population of approximately 60,000 residents, and to a limited extent, neighboring counties through mutual aid agreements. This project will enhance the Blount County Sheriff's Department's ability to respond quickly and effectively to public safety emergencies and crises. The award period runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Vehicles will be purchased from an approved vendor in compliance with the state of alabama bid law. The service area that will benefit from this project includes the 642 square miles that comprise blount county and its 60,000 citizens. To a limited degree, citizens in neighboring counties will also benefit as law enforcement agencies agree to aid and assist each other. This project will allow the blount county sheriff's department officers to respond in a timely manner in times of public crisis.