OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma sheriffs can now pursue grant funding to bolster the services they provide to their counties, thanks to a new grant program administered by the Office of Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

House Bill 2914 created the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office Funding Assistance Grant Program during this year’s legislative session and appropriated $18 million to the fund. Counties can apply for grants from $150,000 to $300,000, depending on their total tangible property valuation.

“This funding will help enhance law enforcement services throughout our state,” Drummond said. “I’m pleased we are able to help sheriff’s offices strengthen their operations on behalf of public safety.”

Ray McNair, executive director of the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association, said all sheriffs will have the opportunity to boost their maintenance and operations budgets this year.

“County law enforcement, one of the lowest- paid agencies in the state, is getting a muchneeded lift. As property tax dollars can no longer fully support the rising costs, this grant will make a significant difference,” he said. “This will surely have a positive impact on community safety and well-being.”

Grants can be used for sheriff office operations including training, technology, equipment, capital improvements and more.

Grant applications will be distributed to sheriff’s offices. County sheriffs must complete the application, which then must be approved and submitted by the Board of County Commissioners. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Sept. 6.