WESTMINSTER, MD — Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) has requested $1.8 million in federal funding for two essential public safety projects in Carroll County through the Fiscal Year 2022 Community Project Funding program. On behalf of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Rep. Raskin requested $1,429,003 to equip every law enforcement deputy with a body-worn camera and to provide all patrol and community-related personnel with an in-car camera. Rep. Raskin also requested $370,000 on behalf of The Hill Y in Westminster for accessibility and safety renovations to The Hill Y’s facilities for individuals with disabilities.
“The safety of my constituents is paramount, and I am proud to support these two community projects, which will improve public safety for all Carroll County residents,” said Rep. Raskin.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), located in Westminster, was founded in 1837 and is the primary law enforcement agency for the County. Since 2006, it has been an internationally accredited law enforcement agency. CCSO does not train or allow chokeholds and conducts an internal review of each Use of Force incident. Rep. Raskin’s funding request would promote public safety and enhance transparency by providing video of all law enforcement encounters with the public.
“The ability to apply for and secure a grant of this magnitude is vitally important to maintaining a safe and transparent Carroll County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff James T. DeWees. “I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Raskin in prioritizing this program and for pursuing this much needed funding.”
“Earlier this year, the Maryland General Assembly passed a sweeping police reform bill that requires, by 2025, body-worn cameras for all law enforcement who regularly interact with the public,” said Rep. Raskin. “I commend the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff DeWees for seeking to meet this mandate well in advance of the deadline and for building public trust by embracing this transparency and accountability measure.”
The Hill Y in Westminster serves more than 7,000 people in Carroll County and advances the health and wellbeing of children, families, and seniors throughout the County. Rep. Raskin’s funding request would support accessibility and safety renovations to the Hill Y’s facilities, including: adding private dressing areas for special needs members, improving handicap pool access, and replacing the existing unsafe tile pool deck surface with a more functional material that meets current safety standards.
"Congressman Raskin's funding request supporting improved safety enhancements for the Hill Y in Westminster is yet another demonstration of his commitment to the health and well-being of his constituents and of the vital role the Y plays in building strong, healthy communities. We are deeply grateful for Congressman Raskin's vision, leadership and support," said John Hoey, President & CEO of the Y in Central Maryland.
“Last year, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and are continuing to make great strides in realizing true accessibility and inclusivity for all Americans,” said Rep. Raskin. “I applaud The Hill Y and other organizations like it who are moving our nation forward on the path to progress and well-being for all.”
When the House Appropriations Committee announced the new Community Project Funding initiative in March, Rep. Raskin solicited requests from eligible entities in Carroll, Frederick, and Montgomery Counties. He received more than 30 requests from local governments and non-profits across the 8th District. Members were limited to submitting only 10 total funding requests to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2022. In addition to these two Carroll County public safety projects, Rep. Raskin also requested federal funding for two Frederick County Government public health and workforce development projects and six Montgomery County community projects.
For more information about Rep. Raskin’s Community Project Funding requests, click here.
The House Appropriations Committee will determine which of Rep. Raskin’s projects, if any, will receive funding. For a project to receive funding, the funding must be included in the version of the appropriations bill that is passed by the House and Senate and signed into law. To learn more about Community Project Funding, including eligibility and transparency requirements, and to view a list of funding requests from each participating congressional office, click here.
###