Des Moines, IA- The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau has announced $11 million in federal grant funds will be distributed statewide from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
According to a news release, money will be distributed to law enforcement partners for equipment, education, and enforcement projects.
“These partnerships are crucial,” says GTSB Law Enforcement Liaison Randy Kunert. “Enforcing Iowa’s traffic laws is the strongest countermeasure to deter risky driving behavior. It’s vital these agencies have necessary resources to make traffic stops.”
The GTSB is also distributing funds to support non law-enforcement traffic safety initiatives. New partnerships include the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Iowa Restaurant Association, and Lutheran Services in Iowa.
LSI will use the funds to help educate, build confidence, and promote safe driving habits among refugees. “Having a driver’s license gives refugees independence and increases their employment opportunities,” says Vinh Nguyen, Education and Workforce Manager at Lutheran Services in Iowa.
Every year, traffic safety advocates, law enforcement, and other state agencies across Iowa seek funding through grant applications offered by the GTSB. Applicants who meet the required criteria and highway safety standards are awarded grant funds to support the GTSB’s mission to reduce death and injury on Iowa’s roadways.
