PRESS RELEASE

Wednesday August 28, 2024

$300,000.00 in Grant Funds secured for Etowah County Sheriff's Office, according to Sheriff Jonathon Horton.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, secured $300,000 for the Etowah County Commission and Sheriff's Office in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

This congressionally directed spending would enable Etowah County Sheriff's Office to upgrade its public safety equipment, including the procurement of a patrol and dive vessel for the Marine and Dive unit to cover the 437 miles of shoreline throughout the county.

"Ensuring our tremendous law enforcement officers have the best tools to protect their fellow Alabamians and themselves is a top priority for me," said Senator Britt. 

"Waterways often create additional challenges for law enforcement to keep everyone safe. This $300,000 would upgrade public safety equipment with the purchase of a patrol and dive boat. This would help Etowah County Sheriff's Office better protect local families and communities year-round."

"We are deeply grateful for the $300,000 grant from Senator Katie Britt, which will enable us to acquire a state-of-the-art marine vessel equipped with cutting-edge technology, including live-scan sonar, to enhance our Dive and Marine Teams' capabilities," said Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton.

"This new vessel will significantly improve our ability to serve Etowah County citizens and the broader region by ensuring safer and more efficient waterway recoveries. We extend our sincere appreciation to Senator Britt for her instrumental role in securing these funds," he continued.

The FY25 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act now awaits consideration by the full Senate.