WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $292,976 grant was awarded to the Kansas City, KS public school system to increase reading achievement. The grant will be used to fund Zap the Gap: Read to Succeed, a year-round program designed to improve literacy through the school and summer months. The program increases reading achievement of all 17,085 students in the district’s 37 schools by providing students access to reading resources and materials and increasing recreational reading. The funds were made available by the United States Department of Education’s Literacy & School Libraries Program. The program helps schools improve reading achievement by providing up-to-date library materials, media resources and technology. Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) today announced $119,257 in grants to Kansas colleges for advanced nurse training. “I’m pleased to announce these funds. Our nursing force in America is overburdened. In order to improve the quality of health care for all Americans, we need to make this investment in training nurses now,” Senator Roberts said. “These grants will help ensure the quality of life for many Kansas residents,” Roberts said.
• Fort Hays State University received $34,787 for advanced nursing education. The funds were awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $343,000 grant to the University of Kansas Center for Research for International Business Education. The grant funds the operation of a regional center for international business education. The center teaches the global context of business today, includes instruction in foreign languages, and area fields critical to understanding U.S. trade partners. The center provides research and training in international trade, commerce, and other fields. The funds were awarded by the United States Department of Education’s Centers for International Business Education Program. Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) today applauded Missouri Senator Jim Talent (R-MO) for his successful efforts to pass legislation to designate the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) in Kansas City as America’s National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “This is great news for tourism and education in Kansas City,” Senator Roberts said. “From Buck O’Neil to George Brett, baseball has been important to Kansas City and I hope this museum continues to be an educational destination as well as a reminder of the impact segregation had on our nation. I commend Senator Talent for his leadership on this legislation and the museum for its efforts to preserve this history.” The legislation, Senate Concurrent Resolution 60, was introduced by Senator Talent, and sponsored by Senator Roberts. The resolution passed the Senate late last night. Senator Talent said, “The museum is a national destination for anyone seeking to enrich their understanding of this period in America’s history. Whether you are a baseball fan or not, you will be moved by what you see there. We are one step closer to providing this designation for the museum and I am hopeful the full Congress will approve it soon.” Over 60,000 visitors from all over the country visit the museum in Kansas City every year. Currently the museum has a comprehensive collection of historical materials, important artifacts and oral histories of the participants in the Negro Leagues and the impact that segregation played in the lives of the ballplayers and their fans. This legislation commends the ongoing development and visibility of the Power Alley educational outreach program for teachers and students sponsored by the museum. The National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was founded in 1990 and is the only public museum in the nation that exists for exclusively portraying the players in the Negro Leagues from 1920 through the 1960's. The legislation now goes to the United States House of Representatives where similar legislation has been introduced by Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MO).
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $360,000 in grants were awarded to Kansas firefighters to improve homeland security in Columbus and Kansas City. Senator Roberts said, “I am pleased to announce these funds, which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in rural Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments.”
• Columbus Fire Department in Cherokee County: $10,365 for Fire Prevention The funds were awarded by the 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced OneKC will receive a $15 million Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant “The importance of advancing entrepreneurial and innovative partnerships is critical to the industrial development of a metropolitan area,” Senator Roberts said. “OneKC will use these funds to catalyze these partnerships by transforming existing industries and attracting new industries to the Kansas City area. The framework OneKC created has brought Kansas City to the starting line in becoming an influential and successful industrial base.” The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Labor. Senator Roberts wrote a letter in support of OneKC and personally conveyed his support to the Department. OneKC is an ongoing, business development strategy of the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) to educate key state, county, community and corporate leadership in the Kansas City metro area about economic development in the region. The KCADC is the primary area-wide economic development organization in the region, representing 18 counties, 50 communities, two states and more than two million residents in shaping the region’s economic future. “OneKC has a vision for the Kansas City metropolitan area which focuses on attracting and developing industries of advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and healthcare,” Roberts said in the letter, “ These much needed industries will strengthen the region’s workforce and increase employment opportunities in both Kansas and Missouri. OneKC’s vision for the Kansas City area will be a reality with the help of a WIRED initiative.” This was a highly competitive grant solicitation with 97 applications and with only 13 awarded. OneKC will receive $5 million a year for up to three years. Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and an outspoken advocate of technology and innovation in the workplace.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $2,373,818 grant to the Economic Opportunity Foundation, Inc. for Head Start in Kansas City. The funds allow the Head Start program to operate early learning programs, as well provide training for childcare providers and teachers to become Head Start educators. Head Start programs serve preschool-aged children and their families in low-income areas. Senator Roberts said, “I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the great strides Head Start is making in Kansas communities. Head Start, as the name suggests, enables children in need to learn the basic life and social skills to enter school ready to learn. The program, which serves children all over Kansas, provides them with a stable, encouraging environment that allows them to learn, have fun, be nourished – and nurtured. This is particularly invaluable for a child that may not have the same environment at home.” The funds were awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Children and Families. Senator Roberts is a key member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and has been a strong advocate of Head Start.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $154,000 grant was awarded to a Kansas fire department to improve homeland security. Senator Roberts said, “I am pleased to announce these funds, which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments.” • Bonner Springs Fire Department: $154,014 for Fire Operations and Fire Safety The funds were awarded by the 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $440,000 in grants were awarded to three Kansas fire departments to improve homeland security. Senator Roberts said, “I am pleased to announce these funds, which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in rural Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments.”
• Douglas County Fire and Medical in Lawrence: $73,696 for Fire Operations and Fire Safety The funds were awarded by the 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $1.4 million grant to the University of Kansas (KU) Medical Center for Bioterrorism Training and Curriculum Development. This continuing project, “Can it happen in Kansas? Response to terror,” will continue to train health and public safety professionals in Kansas. Through monthly promotions, rural health project partners, and partnering with legislators, the grant will reach the whole state. The funds will:
• promote the terror and disaster response to terrorists state-wide to first responders and the community on a monthly basis; This will be 5,313 more trained than the first period of the grant; “Kansas is the breadbasket of America,” Senator Roberts said. “This funding is critical to prepare our first responders to a possible bioterrorism attack and to continue to provide food for a troubled and hungry world.” The evaluation will be detailed to include the first large scale disaster simulation drill, which was completed earlier this year. KU will build on this evaluation and use the results in training. Kansas commits 90 percent of its land to agriculture and contains 135,000 road miles, and 4,000 rail transport miles, so the threat of bioterrorism to Kansas remains a daily reality with national implications. Senator Roberts is Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. He is an advocate of funding emergency preparedness and fighting bioterrorism as a member of the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Public Health Subcommittee on HELP.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $25,000 grant to the Wyandotte Serves and Wyandotte Works, Inc. for employment services and training. The Wyandotte Serves and Wyandotte Works, Inc. will provide employment placement as well as personal development training to help recipients of public assistance, ex-offenders, and persons suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. These services will be provided by a full-time job coach and mentor. They will also work with the Kansas City Workforce Development Center (KCWDC). They will provide employment development classes, referrals for clients, and availability of computer equipment for job searches. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Labor. Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $421,600 grant to the National Center for Fathering in Shawnee Mission to help fathers become involved in their children’s education. “Unfortunately for some Kansas children, fathers are not prominent in their lives and education,” Senator Roberts said. “I am pleased to announce this important funding to such a worthwhile program.” The funds will be used to implement programs which help fathers to be more effectively involved in their children’s education, to improve outcomes for the children participating and eliminating risks. Risk factors associated with the absence of an involved father include poverty, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, crime, poor performance in school, and others. The National Center for Fathering in Shawnee Mission will involve more than 2,500 dads and affect the lives of more than 25,000 children in mostly Kansas and Missouri. The “Fathers Involvement in Education” project will implement one or more of these programs in 100 schools or Head Start sites. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement in Education. Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. For more information, visit www.fathers.com .
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $589,000 grant to the University of Kansas for exercise in weight loss research. The grant will be used to continue examining how long term exercise, weight loss, and energy balance differ in men and women. The project will study these differences by observing overweight men and women performing different levels of exercise to prevent weight gain or promote weight loss. “I am pleased to announce these funds for such worthwhile research at KU,” Senator Roberts said. “Weight gain and loss have been in the spotlight in recent years, and I am pleased our state will contribute to this research endeavor.” The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Office. Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $1.3 million grant to the state of Kansas for women’s violence prevention. The grant will be used to develop and implement effective, victim-centered strategies to address violent crimes against women as well as to enhance victim services in those cases. “I am pleased that Kansas received this grant,” Senator Roberts said. “It is important that victims of violent crimes in Kansas be provided with a strong system of support.” The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program aims to assist victims of violent crimes. The grant was awarded to the Governor’s office by the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced that Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants are open for select Kansas law enforcement agencies. The following programs have grants available from the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS):
• Interoperable Communications Technology Program: Almost $100 million is available to law enforcement to improve interoperability between law enforcement agencies and other first responders. Deadline for applying is July 15, 2005. Please visit here for more information about these grants and the invited agencies. Grant applications may be submitted electronically or in paper copy. COPS grant applications may be downloaded and submitted through http://www.grants.gov.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $350,000 grant to enforce underage drinking laws in Kansas. The grant was awarded to the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Planning and Development in Topeka. The program, Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws, will support and enhance the state of Kansas’ efforts, along with local jurisdictions, to enforce laws prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages or the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Justice.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $316,000 grant to Johnson County Transit for new buses. The funds will be used to purchase two 35-foot expansion buses. Both vehicles are lift-equipped and designed with a low floor, which improves access for patrons. The additional buses will be utilized on commuter routes that originate in Johnson County and terminate in Johnson County and Kansas City, MO. The expansion is part of Johnson County Transit’s plan to increase service by 5-10 percent per year over the next five years to address growing demands for transit service. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced that more than $136,000 in grants were awarded to four Kansas fire departments to improve homeland security. Senator Roberts said, “I am pleased to announce these funds, which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in rural Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments.”
• Marysville Volunteer Fire Department: $28,718 for Fire Prevention The funds were awarded by the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $308,000 grant for substance abuse treatment programs at the Osawatomie Correctional Facility and Larned Juvenile Correctional Facility. The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program develops and implements substance abuse treatment programs. This program will assist Kansas in creating and maintaining community-based aftercare services for offenders who are released from institutional based substance abuse programs. Kansas will operate treatment programs at the Kansas Department of Correction’s Osawatomie Correctional Facility for adults and the Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority’s Larned Juvenile Correctional Facility. This grant was awarded by the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced two grants totaling over $44,000 to the Lawrence Arts Center and the Kaw Valley Arts and Humanities, Inc. in Kansas City.
• Lawrence Arts Center: $34,970 to support Summer Youth Theater. Theater artists and arts educators will provide intensive instruction in all aspects of theater production.
The grants were awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.arts.gov.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $3 million in grants to eight local Kansas airports.
• Ottawa Municipal: $57,570 to install a path indicator system.
The grants were awarded by the United States Department of Transportation.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $1 million grant to Kansas for Homeland Security Buffer Zone Protection. The funds will be used to protect and secure areas surrounding critical infrastructure and key resource sites such as chemical facilities, dams, and nuclear plants across the country. The Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP) provides targeted funding through states to local jurisdictions to purchase equipment that will extend the zone of protection beyond the gates of these critical facilities. This program creates Buffer Zone Plans to reduce vulnerabilities in areas surrounding critical infrastructure and key resources. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced two grants to Kansas State University and the University of Kansas totaling $117,000 for the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program. Kansas State University will receive $65,000 and the University of Kansas Center for Research, Inc. will receive $52,000. The grants will be used to support overseas projects in training, research, and curriculum development in modern foreign languages and area studies for groups of teachers, students, and faculty engaged in these studies. Projects may include short-term seminars, curriculum development, or group research or study. This grant supports advanced overseas intensive language projects as well. The funds were awarded by the United States Department of Education’s Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced more than $21 million in grants to the Kansas Highway Patrol for Homeland Security. “Often when there is a natural disaster or a threat, local law enforcement are the first to act. They are on the front lines of the war on terror here at home. Funding for our first responders to become more integrated is vital to fighting the war on terror at a regional level. ” Senator Roberts said.
• $13 million for the State Homeland Security Program Together, all these funds will be used for preparedness activities associated with implementing the State Homeland Security Strategy. This program will enhance the coordination of regional efforts to prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorism related chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents, cyber attacks, and natural disasters. Senator Roberts looks forward to these funds being quickly distributed to the state and on to local communities and counties in Kansas. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Domestic Preparedness. Senator Roberts is Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and has been an advocate for homeland security preparedness, especially regarding agroterrorism.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $4.7 million in grants to six Kansas airports.
• Great Bend Municipal Airport: $450,000 to rehabilitate taxiway
The grants were awarded by the United States Department of Transportation.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $865,000 in grants were awarded to four Kansas fire departments to improve homeland security. Senator Roberts said, “I am pleased to announce these funds, which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in rural Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments.”
• Saline County Fire District #5 in New Cambria: $373,500 for a Firefighting Vehicle The funds were awarded by the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $347,000 in grants were awarded to six Kansas fire departments to improve homeland security. Senator Roberts said, “I am pleased to announce these funds, which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in rural Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments.”
• Junction City Fire Department: $75,044 for Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety The funds were awarded by the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $27,400 grant to the Lawrence- Douglas County Housing Authority for Resident Opportunities for Self Sufficiency (ROSS). The funds will be used for the delivery and coordination of supportive services, resident empowerment activities and activities that assist residents to attain self-sufficiency. The program is intended to help elderly residents and residents with disabilities to continue to live independently. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Public Housing Family Self Sufficiency Program.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $175,000 to the Kansas Department of Aging for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The grant will provide low-income seniors in Kansas with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs. Besides providing locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs to seniors, the program increases the consumption of agricultural commodities, which expands or develops farmers’ markets and other agricultural commodity outlets. “This is a win-win program, benefiting our local Kansas farmers and helping some of our seniors by providing them nutritious fresh food,” Senator Roberts said. The funds were made available by the 2002 Farm Bill’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program which provides $15 million annually to 47 grantees in the United States. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture. Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a total of $81,681 in grants to improve Johnson County transit. The Johnson County Nolte Transit Center will receive a $58,373 grant and the Johnson County Transit Equipment and Transit Coach Improvement will receive a $23,308 grant. The funds will be used to continue security improvements to the Murray L. Nolte Transit Center located in Johnson County. It will include gating the center, surveillance cameras, a card reader access system to the entrance doors, motion detectors, on-board cameras for vehicles, and other ancillary equipment. Johnson County Transit will also purchase rebuilt engines for the Johnson County bus fleet. The grants were awarded by the United States Department of Transportation.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $700,000 grant to the United Way of Wyandotte County, Inc. for a Youthbuild Housing program. The Youthbuild program enables young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 to complete their high school education and receive on-the-job training in construction skills. Students build or renovate single-family homes and multi-family apartments, which are sold at affordable prices, to low- and very low-income persons as well as homeless individuals and families. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $13 million grant to the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to study ways Kansans with disabilities maintain employment. It is estimated that 600,000 individuals leave the work force and enroll in Social Security Disability Insurance program each year, which entitles them to Medicare coverage after a 2 year waiting period. This program will help policy makers determine whether early intervention and support could keep people on the job and not dependent upon Social Security. The funds will be used for a demonstration project created by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, to give Center for Medicaid and State Operations (CMS) the opportunity to test whether certain individuals can maintain their employment and self-sufficiency, and decrease reliance on cash and other benefits. It supports individuals at risk of becoming disabled and their employers who benefit from improved worker retention. Kansas participants will be given a full Medicaid-like benefit package that can be used to supplement any benefit plan the person may have through an employer. Many health insurance plans have limits on types of treatment and services. This grant would supplement those caps. “Kansans who continue to work in spite of a debilitating disorder should be supported to remain productive for as long as they are able. This grant is good for the people involved and the economy, and I am pleased that Kansas was chosen as a demonstration state,” Senator Roberts said. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Medicaid and State Operations (CMS). For more information on the Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment and other initiatives for people with disabling conditions click here.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced Department of Homeland Security has allocated $21 million for Homeland Security efforts in Kansas. The Homeland Security Grant Program will include six different programs:
• State Homeland Security Program (SHSP): grants to states to prevent, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism
“It is important for the federal government to partner with local law enforcement to protect our communities. Local agencies are the first line of defense against a natural disaster, terrorist attack or any other emergency. This funding will go a long way in protecting Kansans. ” Senator Roberts said. The grants are made available by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP). For more information click here.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced $409,000 in grants were awarded to five Kansas fire departments to improve homeland security. Senator Roberts said, “I am pleased to announce these funds, which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in rural Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments.”
• Haskell/Sublette Fire Department in Sublette: $186,300 for a Firefighting Vehicle The funds were awarded by the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $3.2 million in grants to the State of Kansas to repair and restore Board of Public Utilities (BPU) substation transformers at Quindaro and Barber destroyed by lightning strikes. A series of severe thunderstorms caused this and other significant damages across Kansas on June 12th. Because of numerous severe storms and tornadoes during the summer, on August 3rd President Bush declared portions of Kansas eligible for disaster assistance. With the emergency declaration, communities can apply to FEMA for assistance in repairing public facilities. June 12, 2004 lightning strikes at the Barber transformer were particularly bad, starting a fire that burned for over 12 hours, and leaking 15,000 gallons of oil, necessitating a hazardous materials clean-up. “The funds will be used to speed the restoration of the transformers and to make the substations more disaster resistant in the future,” Senator Roberts said.
WASHINGTON, DC– U. S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $2.9 million in grants for Head Start projects in Hutchinson, Dodge City, Topeka, Manhattan, and Olathe. The funds allow the Head Start program to operate childcare centers, as well provide training for childcare providers and teachers to become Head Start educators. Head Start programs serve preschool-aged children and their families in low-income areas.
• Hutchinson Board of Education, USD #308: $647,740
Senator Roberts said, “I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the great strides Head Start is making in Kansas communities. Head Start, as the name suggests, enables children in need to learn the basic life and social skills to enter school ready to learn. The program, which serves children all over Kansas, provides them with a stable, encouraging environment that allows them to learn, have fun, be nourished – and nurtured. This is particularly invaluable for a child that may not have the same environment at home.” The funds were awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Children and Families. Senator Roberts is a key member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and has been a strong advocate of Head Start.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced three grants totaling over $3 million were awarded for physical education programs in Kansas aimed at making children healthier and decreasing childhood obesity. “As childhood obesity is a growing problem in our nation, these funds are important to ensure proper physical education and nutrition is taught to our children,” Senator Roberts said. “Children need to be healthy in order to learn, and I know these funds will help make that possible.”
• Wichita Public Schools: $1.3 million
These grants will pay for the Carol M. White Education Program, part of the No Child Left Behind Act, which helps local school districts and community-based organizations initiate, expand or improve physical education programs, including after-school programs, for students in grades K-12. Ultimately the program strives to encourage children to eat healthy and exercise. The Department of Education has released a brochure in English and Spanish giving parents advice on healthy lifestyles for children. The brochures are available at: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2004/09/09282004.html The funds were awarded by the United States Department of Education. Senator Roberts is a key member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $4.5 million in grants for local law enforcement agencies to implement and enhance community policing. The grants will be used to pay for training, equipment and supplies, officer overtime, community outreach campaigns and other approved costs for the programs. “I am pleased to announce these grants to devoted local law enforcement agencies in Kansas doing critical policing work to protect our communities” Senator Roberts said.
• Butler County Sheriff’s Department: $247,364 to reduce methamphetamine use and production The grants were awarded by the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). For more information on these programs, visit http://www.cops.usdoj.gov.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $1.9 million grant to The University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence for laboratory equipment purchases. The funds will be used to purchase equipment for four laboratories specializing in bio-behavioral management and transgenic and genomic imaging. The laboratories are part of the state-of-the-art transgenic and gene knockout facilities used by several participating departments and research centers to offer modern research technology and research support services. The facility’s mission is to support research endeavors, to promote technology development and to serve as a resource for technology. The director of the project at KU is Elias Michaelis, professor and chair of the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department. The grants were awarded by the United States Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Health Resources and Services Administration.
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced three separate grants totaling $605,000 for the enhancement of DNA analysis capabilities.
• $398,000 to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to be used to help crime laboratories identify and test backlogged forensic DNA casework samples.
“This grant money will allow our crime labs to make DNA testing more accessible,” Senator Roberts said, “Forensic science is the new frontier for criminal justice. Kansas will be able to use this technology to its full potential.” These grants are part of a program to provide funding to state and local governments with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis. The grants were awarded by the United States Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a $90,000 grant to the Johnson County Museum in Shawnee. The grant will provide public access to historic resources and will preserve historical photographs. The program will be supplemented by matching funds of $148, 700 to cover staff salaries and marketing expenses, which is part of the museum’s current budget. The grant will fund the museum’s partnership with the Johnson County Library to create an interactive, searchable database of the museum’s 10,000 historic photographs of Johnson county and its residents, dating from the 1860s to the present. The museum and the library will also collaborate to develop www.JoCoHistory.net, a website devoted to the history of Johnson County. The website will include photographs and an online curriculum designed to meet state educational standards. The grant will be used to purchase computer equipment and technology to complete, store and deliver the database and website. “Accessible records and collections promote lifelong learning for Kansans,” said Senator Roberts. “These funds allow Johnson County to preserve history and strengthen the community. Learning about our history is vital to know where we are headed in the future.” The funds were provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Museums for America program. For more information contact Mindi Love at the Johnson County Museum at (913) 631-6709.
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WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced two grants totaling $1 million to mentor Kansas children who have a parent in prison or on parole. It is estimated that there are more than 200,000 children living in Kansas who have a parent in prison or on parole. Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Inc. (BBBS) in Wichita will receive $925,000, and the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas in Wichita will receive $75,000 for the same program. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring program that keeps kids off the streets by matching responsible adults on a one-to-one basis with students who may exhibit low self-esteem, depression, or anger when dealing with a parent in prison or on parole. This program will help 3,000 children who are most at risk to drop out of school and/or become involved in crime. The mentors will provide academic assistance and will facilitate a smooth transition for parents to reconnect with their children after being incarcerated or on parole. Senator Roberts said, “I have always been a long supporter of this Big Brothers Big Sisters and I am pleased Kansas BBBS was awarded money for this critical contribution to our communities. I have seen mentoring thrive and produce dramatic results for our youth in Kansas already, and I know they will continue to do so with this program.” Senator Roberts has been a strong supporter of mentoring in schools. He has secured funding for YouthFriends, a mentoring program based in Kansas City. In 2003, Senator Roberts helped to secure $500,000 to expand Big Brothers Big Sisters to all 105 counties in the state. “Scientists have proven that kids who have mentors are less likely to begin using illegal drugs, consume alcohol, skip school and classes, or engage in acts of violence. I know in Kansas these programs are making a difference,” Roberts said. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts announced today that the Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority will receive a $612,000 grant to combat state and local juvenile delinquency. The funds will be used to support state and local delinquency prevention and intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. Those efforts will include planning and administration, compliance monitoring, prevention of juvenile gang involvement, delinquent acts and substance abuse by juveniles, juvenile justice issues for American Indian tribes and the identification of youth at-risk of delinquency. Court system improvements include establishing a system of graduated sanctions, treatment programs and aftercare. Applications for this year’s funding from non-profit groups and governmental agencies from cities and counties across the state have already been submitted to the state agency and are being currently being reviewed. Last year, 14 grants were disbursed from the program and paid for prevention activities like mentoring and school attendance programs, parenting classes and safe, supervised after-school programs. The funds will benefit juveniles of all ages in cities ranging from Olathe, Kansas City and Hays to Norton and Leavenworth. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in concordance to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a grant of $494,739 to Midamerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas. Midamerica Nazarene University will us the funds to purchase instructional equipment for classrooms and labs in their science and criminal justice departments. The new technology will provide the same equipment and investigative materials as used in professional investigation laboratories, providing students with firsthand experience with equipment that they will use upon graduation. Senator Roberts said, “I am pleased to announce these funds to one of our fine universities in Kansas. Technology is the backbone of a university and I know this grant will be put to good use for the students and faculty.” The grant was awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the United States Department of Justice.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts announced today that the Kansas City, KS Police Department Victim Services Unit will receive a $150,000 grant to pay for unmet needs of crime victims. The grant will go to the Victim Services Unit’s Urban High Crime Neighborhood Initiative to pay for victim services in Northeast Kansas City, Kansas. The program is in its third year and will also implement evaluation, public awareness and resource development plans that were created in its second year. In addition, the funds will contribute to increasing the capacity for victim services in the program’s target neighborhoods. The program serves victims of domestic violence, rape, robbery, assault and other crimes and includes counseling to children and adults, information regarding the court system, housing referrals for victims of domestic violence, paperwork help and transportation to and from court. In the program’s first year, the Victim Services Unit developed a comprehensive plan for meeting the unmet needs of crime victims in the Northeast neighborhood in Kansas City. This year the program will be evaluated, fully implemented, and will create more public awareness. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Justice’s Victims of Crime Office.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced the availability of $2.2 million in grants to help low-income families in Kansas purchase homes. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program will provide funds to Leavenworth to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment principally for low and moderate-income persons. The HOME program in Lawrence helps to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low-income families by providing grants to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities. The American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) program in Johnson County will promote home ownership opportunities by providing necessary resources for downpayment and closing cost assistance to low-income and minority households.
Leavenworth: $435,000 Johnson County: $166,891
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced a grant of $1,127,000 has been awarded to the Kansas State Department of Education. The funds will be used to better educate for children with disabilities. The program will target districts with a low level of achievement for children with disabilities in the areas of math and reading. These districts will receive learner-focused support through capacity-building professional development. Students will benefit from an improved educational system and early intervention. “Especially in these times of economic shortfalls in Kansas where budgets are tight, these grants will relieve local districts. I am proud of the superior education offered to children in Kansas and I am confident that our educators will take advantage of this opportunity.” Senator Roberts said. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Education.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced 820,774 in grants were awarded to several Kansas police departments as part of the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants Program. The program provides funds to units of local government to underwrite projects that reduce crime and improve public safety. The funds can be used for the hiring and training of additional law enforcement officers and support personnel, for overtime pay and the purchasing of new equipment and computer technology.
• Dodge City: $10,076
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $853,152 to Head Start of Shawnee Mission, Inc., serving Head Start in Shawnee Mission. The funds allow the Head Start program to operate childcare centers and provide training for childcare providers and teachers to become Head Start educators. The Head Start programs being funded include part-day and handicapped programs. Head Start programs serve preschool-aged children and their families in low-income areas. Senator Roberts said, “I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the great strides Head Start is making in Kansas communities. Head Start, as the name suggests, enables children in need to learn the basic life and social skills to enter school ready to learn. The program, which serves children all over Kansas, provides them with a stable, encouraging environment that allows them to learn, have fun, be nourished – and nurtured. This is particularly invaluable for a child that may not have the same environment at home.” The funds were awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Children and Families.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced $225,000 in grants were awarded to the Kansas Department on Aging to improve the quality of life for rural, minority and low income Kansans affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The funds allow the Alzheimer’s Association to increase their overall service capacity in Kansas. The project will focus on art, poetry, music and drama to nurture the remaining strengths of those afflicted as well as expand dementia-specific education, training, and resource access to persons with the disease, caregivers, families, public and private entities and community members. U.S. Senator Pat Roberts is a co-sponsor of The Ronald Reagan Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2004, a bill to double federal funding for research on Alzheimer ’s disease, a heartbreaking illness affecting 4.5 million Americans and their families. “Alzheimer’s Disease takes a high emotional toll on patients, caregivers and families,” Senator Roberts said. “Unfortunately, one in three Americans knows someone in the throes of this tragic disease. I have talked with many Kansans who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease just as Nancy Reagan cared for our President. They are real heroes and they need support.” The funds were awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced $369,604 in grants were awarded to several Kansas fire departments to improve homeland security. Senator Roberts said, “I am pleased to announce these funds which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in rural Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments.”
• Great Bend Fire / EMS in Great Bend: $118,073 for Operations and Firefighter Safety The funds were awarded by the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $52,000 to the University of Kansas Medical Center to assist in their Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship program. The funds will be used to meet the cost of traineeships for individuals in advanced nursing education programs. Traineeships are awarded to individuals to serve as nurse practitioners, clinical specialists, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, nurse administrators or public health nurses. The grants were awarded by the United States Department of Health & Human Services office of Health Resources and Services Administration.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas today announced a $1.3 million grant for a study on reading comprehension at the University of Kansas. The funds will be used to improve the reading comprehension skills and reading outcomes of struggling high school-aged students. The University will also evaluate the success of the reading comprehension instructional methods used in the classroom during the study. The funds were awarded to the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning by the U. S. Department of Education. Senator Roberts is a key member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced $165,000 in grants were awarded to several Kansas fire departments to improve homeland security. Senator Roberts said, “I am pleased to announce these funds which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in rural Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments.”
• Bird City Fire Department: $4,905 for Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced the availability of more than $1 million in grants to help low-income families in Kansas purchase their first home. To be eligible for assistance, individuals must be first-time home buyers interested in purchasing a house, duplex, townhouse, condominium, cooperative unit or manufactured house. The individual’s income must not exceed 80 percent of the area’s median income. The grants, funded as part of the American Dream Downpayment Initiative, will award individuals up to $10,000 or six percent of the purchase price of a new home. Similar funding will be distributed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to more than 400 state and local governments. Kansas communities who received funds include:
Kansans should contact their local officials for funding requests. For more information click here.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced the availability of $13.2 million in grants to support value-added business ventures that develop alternative sources of renewable energy. Grants are available to independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Priority consideration will be given to grant applications that dedicate at least 51 percent of the project costs to planning activities for a bio-energy project. Senator Roberts is a strong supporter of value-added agriculture. “It is critical that we enhance the financial well-being of producers and the economic performance of our rural communities,” Senator Roberts said. “Value-added agriculture is a win-win-win situation for the environment, the producer and the energy consumer.” Applications must be received no later than July 26, 2004, and awards will be made on a competitive basis. For more information on rural programs, visit USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. Senator Robert is a senior member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $2.25 million in Head Start grants for Geary County Unified School District and the University of Kansas Medical Center. Geary County Unified School District will receive $630,000 for Full Year Head Start and the University of Kansas Medical Center will receive $1,620,500 for Early Head Start. The funds allow the Head Start program to operate childcare centers, as well provide training for childcare providers and teachers to become Head Start educators. Head Start programs serve preschool-aged children and their families in low-income areas. Senator Roberts said, "I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the great strides Head Start is making in Kansas communities. Head Start, as the name suggests, enables children in need to learn the basic life and social skills to enter school ready to learn. The program, which serves children all over Kansas, provides them with a stable, encouraging environment that allows them to learn, have fun, be nourished - and nurtured. This is particularly invaluable for a child that may not have the same environment at home." The funds were awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Children and Families. Senator Roberts is a key member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and has been a strong advocate of Head Start.
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced the availability of nearly $94 million in grants to improve young children's preparation for reading. Local education agencies and public, non-profit or private organizations serving preschool-age children are qualified to apply. This Early Reading First Grant program supports local efforts to enhance the oral language, cognitive and early reading skills of young children - especially those from low-income families. The grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Education. "Especially in these times of economic shortfalls in Kansas where budgets are tight, these grants will give added emphasis to early reading education, starting each of our children out on the right path. I am proud of the superior education offered to children in Kansas and urge our educators to take advantage of this opportunity." Senator Roberts said. Reading First was passed into law in 2001 and centers on the following priorities:
The pre-application deadline is April 22nd, 2004. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Roberts is a strong advocate of investing in education. Senator Roberts has introduced legislation to improve the quality of math and science education, supports fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Act and has fought to preserve the quality of the Headstart program.
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts announced today that the Overland Park Police Department will receive $1,050,000 in grants to pay for the hiring of fourteen new officers. The grants come from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) at the U.S. Justice Department. The Universal Hiring Program (UHP) is one of several programs developed by COPS to increase the number of officers on the beat. The funding will be used by the Overland Park Police Department to support patrol functions and neighborhood crime suppression, along with the hiring of fourteen new officers. Homeland Security first responders and Tactical Response Units will also benefit from the grant.
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced the availability of nearly $1 million for Teaching American History grants for local education agencies (LEAs) and charter schools to apply to improve history instruction in Kansas’ classrooms. The Teaching American History grant program supports three-year projects for teacher professional development with an emphasis on knowledge, understanding and appreciation for American history. Projects must be in partnership with organizations that have extensive knowledge of American history, including libraries, museums, nonprofit history or humanities organizations and higher education institutions. Applicants must file an intent-to-apply by February 5, with the deadline for grant applications set for March 2nd, 2004. “Especially in these times of economic shortfalls in Kansas where budgets are tight, these grants will relieve local districts. I am proud of the superior education offered to children in Kansas and I am confident that our educators will take advantage of this opportunity.” Senator Roberts said. The Teaching American History Grant is open to any LEA including state-recognized charter schools that work with an institution of higher education, a non-profit history/humanities organization, library or museum to create innovative history teaching programs. As a key member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Roberts is a strong advocate of investing in education. Senator Roberts has introduced legislation to improve the quality of math and science education and recently introduced legislation to provide greater tax relief for teachers that spend their own money on supplies for the classroom. To request an application package please contact: Education Publications Center, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794 or at http://www.ed.gov.
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts announced that late last night, the Senate passed the Conference Report to H.R. 2754, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2004 containing important investments for Kansas. The bill now goes to the president to be signed into law. “Projects for flood damage reduction and water quality are a significant investment in Kansas’ infrastructure,” Senator Roberts said. “These projects make a difference in people’s daily lives and improve our communities.” The following is a list of the Kansas projects Senator Roberts personally worked to include:
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced that the Senate approved the Fiscal Year 2004 Military Construction Appropriations and the Department of Defense Authorization Conference Reports containing major projects important to Kansas. The bills now go to the President to be signed into law. The Defense Authorization bill passed by the Senate today authorizes the Air Force to acquire 100 767 tankers from Boeing. The first 20 of these planes will be leased, the remaining 80 will be purchased. “This was a long hard road, but in the end, the Air Force and Boeing won a sweeping victory,” Senator Roberts said. “The Air Force will get the planes it needs to carry out long range missions, critical to the future of our national security. I am glad to say Boeing Wichita has a lot of work to do. I am proud of the work done at the aviation capital of the world and can’t wait to see that first plane roll off the Boeing line.” “These projects reflect my focus on modernizing and transforming our forces confronting future threats be they conventional or unconventional,” Senator Roberts added. “This bill continues our efforts to improve the quality of life for our men and women in uniform and their families.” “The Senate’s approval of these bills reinforces the critical roles Ft. Riley, Ft. Leavenworth and McConnell Air Force Base play in our national defense,” Senator Roberts noted. “As the Army considers fielding its future forces, urban warfare training facilities like the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility at Ft. Riley will be key. Recent fighting in Baghdad highlights the importance of this training. The new Lewis and Clark Center at Ft. Leavenworth will ensure that Army officers receive the best and most up-to-date training to fight and win future conflicts.” Procurement Programs in Defense Authorization
Wichita
Fort Riley
Senator Roberts is Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, chairing the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. He continues to see that the armed forces receive the best training and technology to complete their missions.
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today announced that the Senate passed the Agriculture Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2004 including important projects for Kansas. The bill now goes to a conference committee with the House version of the bill. “I am pleased projects important to the Kansas economy and our farmers and ranchers are included in this year’s bill,” Senator Roberts said. “I urge the members of the conference committee to support as much funding as possible for USDA’s homeland security funding request and the Dole/McGovern International School Lunch program. Both of these programs are vital to our ongoing war against terrorism. “The USDA homeland security funds will support the rapid response animal and plant health diagnostics networks established last year by USDA,” Senator Roberts said. “These networks will allow us to respond quickly to any animal or disease outbreak that occurs - whether naturally occurring or intentionally introduced.” “The Dole/McGovern program often provides the only meal that many students - particularly those in the Middle East - receive each day. Young girls go to school so they can receive these meals,” Senator Roberts said. “They gain an education and it will eventually help to bring greater stability to that part of the world. Young boys go to schools where they can receive a meal and instruction in math and science instead of radicalism and extremism.” Among the total $9.3 million appropriated for Kansas, the Committee included $1.2 million for the following projects Senator Roberts personally worked to include:
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Senator Roberts Announces a $300,000 Grant to Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools