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Specter, Casey announce committee approval of state Commerce, Justice, Science projects

U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey  announced that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved federal funding for several Pennsylvania projects.  The projects are contained in the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill.

“This funding will have tremendous impact on local communities by enhancing safety through advanced law enforcement programs and promoting important scientific initiatives,” Senator Specter said.  “I am pleased my colleagues have approved federal funding for these vital projects.”

“I am pleased that these important projects for Pennsylvania were approved,” Senator Casey said.  “I will continue to work with Senator Specter to fund economic development programs, law enforcement and violence prevention initiatives, and scientific research projects throughout the Commonwealth.”

The bill must be approved by the full Senate, the House of Representatives and signed into law by the President before funding is final.

Pennsylvania projects in the bill include:

  Northeast

• $400,000 for the Women’s Resource Center in Scranton to provide emergency shelter and support services to victims of sexual and domestic violence. The Women’s Resource Center assists approximately 2,000 women and children annually in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

·         $100,000 for the Lackawanna County Treatment Court to support an initiative to enhance treatment and rehabilitation services for targeted prisoners, including those individuals whose offenses are related to alcohol and substance abuse.