Delray is getting nearly $1 million for license plate reader, crime prevention program

DELRAY BEACH — U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel announced nearly $1 million in federal funding on Monday for the city of Delray Beach.

The $963,000 will go toward a new crime prevention technology initiative and the start of a license plate reader program for the Delray Beach Police Department's Real Time Crime Center. Cameras will be strategically placed throughout the city to help officers observe, detect and prevent crime.

"High crime rates can not only put people and their properties at risk, but also depress property values, deter investment and increase insurance premiums," Frankel said at the announcement Monday, April 8. "But when you have effective crime prevention, it boosts economic growth and stability."

Frankel was accompanied by recently elected Mayor Tom Carney, City Manager Terrence Moore and Police Chief Russ Mager at the announcement.

What will Delray's Crime Prevention Program do?

The program is designed to reduce gun violence and property crimes in the city. It will allow local law enforcement to respond more efficiently to crimes as they are in progress. It'll also gather evidence for follow-up investigations, significantly enhance officer safety and ensure a more agile, responsive police force in Delray Beach.

It's meant to improve trust within the community.

"I am so honored to provide the City of Delray Beach, from the 2024 federal budget, almost $1 million for the Delray Beach Police Department to implement their crime center and further expand the license plate reader program — a strategic way to better observe, detect and prevent crime, and to hold criminals accountable," Frankel said.

Following Monday's news conference, Frankel and the other attendees toured the Real Time Crime Center.

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Why will Delray receive nearly $1 million in federal funding?

The funding for the program is part of several local projects, which Frankel requested for Palm Beach County. The projects are part of the fiscal year 2024 funding package that President Biden signed into law last month.

Delray Beach applied for this funding through the Community Project Funding process. It's a way for cities and nonprofits to request funding for specific projects that can benefit the community as a whole. It is part of the annual federal funding package.

Cities are encouraged to apply for Community Project Funding for the next fiscal year soon, Frankel's communications director said. Frankel's office will make a formal announcement when applications are open.

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What other projects will be funded in Palm Beach County?

The funding received by Delray Beach on Monday is one of 15 community projects Frankel selected for this fiscal year. Another project being funded in Delray Beach will ensure clean drinking water for residents by rehabilitating repump stations for the city's potable water system.

Other projects throughout the county include an expansion of the Transportation Technology Workforce Training Program at Palm Beach State College, a new facility for the 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast call center and the creation of a commercial kitchen and food service workforce training facility for the Palm Beach County Food Bank.

The City of West Palm Beach also received Community Project Funding for a public safety initiative this year, which will be announced at a news conference next week, Frankel's office said.

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Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Lois Frankel announces nearly $1M in federal funding for Delray Beach