State Sen. Lisa M. Boscola announced that the Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded $169,725 in grant funding for local law enforcement and children and youth advocacy programs throughout the Lehigh Valley.

“It is absolutely critical that we as a commonwealth provide local law enforcement with the personnel and tools necessary to serve our citizens and keep our communities safe,” Boscola said. “Grants to the city of Bethlehem and the Slate Belt Regional Police will assist in those efforts. Additionally, funds for programs to advocate for children and prevent juvenile crime are critical for our communities.”

The following four grants were approved by PCCD:

Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program

• City of Bethlehem: Signing Bonuses for nine vacancies and six anticipated openings. $75,000

State Medical Marijuana Enforcement Act Funds

• Slate Belt Regional Police: Impaired Driving Enforcement. $42,854

State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds

• Lehigh Valley Hospital, Inc.: Improving CAC operations and impact. $46,871

State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program Funds

• Lehigh County: Lehigh County Youth Justice Advisory Board Council. $5,000