OLYMPIA, Wash.-Nine counties across Washington, including Kittitas and Walla Walla, have been awarded a share of $2 million to combat gun violence.
The funding, announced by the Washington Attorney General’s Office on Dec. 12, will help 12 law enforcement agencies, including local police departments, tribal police and sheriff’s offices with gun violence prevention efforts.
“We are investing this money in communities to help law enforcement prevent gun violence,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. “Their efforts will improve public safety across Washington.”
According to the AG’s Office, the funding will be used in a variety of ways, including gun buybacks, youth outreach and education and firearms safety classes.
The one-time funding is the result of a lawsuit enforcing Washington’s ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines in which a Federal Way gun store agreed to pay $3 million to resolve the claim.
Over $1.8 million of the settlement was earmarked by the AG’s Office to help fund gun violence prevention initiatives.
Twenty law enforcement agencies applied for funding before the AG’s Office selected the 12 that will be receiving funds. A full list of agencies awarded funding is available online.
Eastern Washington law enforcement agencies receiving funding.
Airway Heights Police Department: $545,464 for its victims support programs.Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office: $140,000 for its firearm storage system.Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office: $40,000 for outreach and education.
