Minnesota, Iowa to receive DOJ grant for gun violence prevention programs

By KAALTV

Credit: MGN

(ABC 6 News) – The Justice Department announced Tuesday 49 awards to states, territories, and the District of Columbia to fund gun violence prevention programs.

The DOJ says an investment of over $231 million will fund state crisis intervention court proceedings, including but not limited to, extreme risk protection order (ERPO) programs that work to keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves or others.

The funding is part of the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) which is authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, legislation passed by Congress last summer to address and reduce gun violence.

Minnesota will receive a $3,723,326 grant that will be used for the creation and/or implementation of extreme risk protection order (ERPO) programs, state crisis intervention court proceedings and related gun violence reduction programs/initiatives in an effort to reduce gun violence in the state.

Specific activities and outcomes will be developed after the formation of the Crisis Intervention Advisory Board. As required, Minnesota will pass-through a 40% portion to local government and the less-than-$10,000 share. All subrecipients will receive prior BJA approval. The board’s strategy development will include data collection and evaluation to support DOJ evaluation on effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Iowa will receive a $2,478,792 grant. The Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy will direct grant funding to state and local units of government to support program activities outlined in BJA’s State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Solicitation. So far, the program plan and funding priorities have not yet been determined by the Iowa Crisis Intervention Advisory Board. Iowa anticipates using a well-established competitive grant application/independent review as the mechanism to pass through funding to subrecipients. The competitive process will be similar to that employed by the Department of Justice.

For more information on the grants, CLICK HERE.