MONTGOMERY— Gov. Bob Riley has awarded grants totaling $630,544 to support efforts to reduce the impact of illegal drugs, assist domestic violence victims and help troubled youth turn their lives around in Alabama’s Black Belt region.

A $475,000 economic stimulus grant will help the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force continue investigating cases involving drugs and drug-related crimes in Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry and Wilcox counties. The task force combines the resources and personnel of area law enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt the drug trade in the area. The agency also works closely with state and federal agencies in joint drug investigations.

The Selma and Black Belt Regional Abuse Sanctuary, or SABRA, is receiving two grants totaling $103,475 to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Dallas, Perry and Wilcox counties. The Selma-based organization offers emergency shelter for victims and their children, a 24-hour crisis hotline and support groups to help deal with the distress of domestic abuse. An additional $20,000 economic stimulus grant will help SABRA avoid staffing cuts due to funding reductions from the economic downturn.

With a $32,069 grant, the Dallas County Children’s Policy Council is providing a mentoring program for youths who have displayed violent or troubled behavior and have become involved in Dallas County juvenile court. The program pairs youths ages 12-17 with adult mentors from the community. The mentors meet one-on-one with the participants to provide a positive role model and guidance toward a productive future.

Riley awarded the grants from funds made available to Alabama by the U.S. Justice Department. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the awards.

Riley notified Kim Ballard of the Dallas County Commission, Steve Smitherman of SABRA and Robert Armstrong of the Children’s Policy Council that the grants had been approved.

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Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers