ATLANTA (June 9, 2023) | This week, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that he has made preliminary grant awards totaling more than $83.5 million for 118 qualified projects that improve community-level public safety measures and address law enforcement staffing challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program funds will be allotted to supplement local law enforcement staffing, support violent crime reduction or community violence intervention programming, and invest in technology and equipment to address and respond to the rise in community violence across the state.

“I’d like to thank the Governor for directing this funding to the first responders of Stephens County,” said Sen. Bo Hatchett (R – Cornelia). “State leadership will continue to support our Law Enforcement, and I look forward to seeing these funds utilized for the safety of families in the 50th State Senate District. These direct resources to our officers help ensure they have the tools and personnel to continue to serve and protect.”

Funds awarded to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office include $1,185,156.50 to provide more deputies on the streets and more jailers with hopes of reducing the strain currently on staff.

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Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.