Commissioners approved receiving grants

St. Joseph County officials this week approved two matters authorizing acceptance of a pair of grants.

During their monthly meeting Tuesday, commissioners OK’d receiving grants of more than $300,000 for specialty court programs and a Homeland Security grant in excess of $630,000.

St. Joseph County Emergency Management Director Erin Goff quickly noted the $630,000-plus is for the nine-county region of which St. Joseph County is included. Goff said St. Joseph County is merely custodian of the money and passes it out as approved by the state.

Goff did not indicate how much of the grant St. Joseph County will receive.

She did note, however, it typically covers administrative costs, programs, equipment, training and other relevant needs.

The grant covers a three-year period.

Meanwhile, Community Corrections Director Melissa Bliss said three court programs are covered through state funding. They are: Adult Drug Treatment Court, which received $130,000; Swift and Sure Sanctions probation program, which was granted $160,000; and Sobriety Court, which was awarded $13,180.