WPD, CCSD Awarded Highway Safety Grants

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely today announced that Cannon County has been awarded highway safety grants.

The Woodbury Police Department will receive a  $14,999 grant to support a network coordinator position and a $5,000 grant to support high visibility law enforcement efforts.

The Cannon County Sheriff's Department will receive a $4,992 grant to support their DUI Safety Campaign.

The Woodbury Police Department received the Network Coordinator grant for it's 5th year. The network coordinator is responsible for an assigned amount of counties. They are responsible for gathering statistics after Governors Highway Safety Office campaigns such as "Booze It and Lose It" and "Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

The coordinator is also requested on several occasions to assist the GHSO in other events across the Cumberland Region.

Since Woodbury received the grant in 2005, Police Chief Tony Burnett has maintained 100 percent reporting and has been actively involved with other agencies across the Cumberland Region.

Because of this Woodbury received an additional $5000 this year along with the $15,000.00. This grant can be used for equipment and also can be used to pay overtime for the department’s Car Safety Seat checkpoints which was started two years ago.

Over seventy percent of child safety seats are installed incorrectly and we want to see that changed. The department currently has four technicians that are certified in child passenger safety.

The grant also pays for overtime when roadblocks are conducted throughout the year. 

“It is a great networking tool,” Burnett said. “I have also been able to assist other agencies in obtaining grants for their agency. The Cumberland Region under the leadership of LEL Clint Shrum has received a national award for their efforts over the past two years and will be going to Orlando to receive the national award for the third straight year in October.

“This grant has helped our department maintain the best of equipment over the last several years. All of our vehicles are equipped with cameras, radars, and computers. This helps us do a more efficient job in protecting and serving the Town of Woodbury which is our number one priority.”

The Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) mission is to save lives and reduce injuries on Tennessee roadways through leadership, innovation, coordination, and program support in partnership with other public and private organizations. The grant awarded will be used to promote this mission.

“These highway safety grants reflect a continued commitment to working with local and state agencies to make our roadways safer,” said Bredesen. “These grant funds will support the efforts of highway safety agencies and advocates to reduce the number of people killed and injured in traffic crashes in Tennessee each year.”

The grants are awarded to agencies that successfully applied for funding based on a defined problem and statistical need. Each year, the GHSO accepts applications from agencies across the state for available highway safety funds. Applications are reviewed and scored by the GHSO and external highway safety advocates. The agencies that meet the criteria for funding received awards.“These grants help fund a variety of enforcement, legal and educational activities across the state including speed enforcement, first responder equipment purchases, DUI prosecutors and child passenger safety training,” said Nicely. “These grants will make a difference in the effectiveness of our highway safety partners.”

There are several elements that contribute to a sound and safe roadway system. Some of those aspects are an accurate traffic safety data collection and analysis system; well-trained and equipped law enforcement personnel; and effective emergency medical and trauma systems. A major part of roadway safety is educating motorists about laws and good driving behaviors.

“Grants awarded by the GHSO are provided in areas of need,” reported GHSO Director Kendell Poole. “Statistics show our problem areas and we strive to put the funding where it will be most effective. We are dedicated to saving lives across Tennessee and pledge to work with grantees statewide to accomplish our mission.”

Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Stratton Bone worked to secure these funds for the Woodbury Police Department and the Cannon County Sheriff's Department.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the funding for GHSO grants.