But County Officials Say They May Not Accept The Money

Montgomery County Maryland, just northwest of Washington, DC. has received a federal grant of $250,000 to jump start its police helicopter program, but county officials have said they may not accept the money.

Several county council members have said they will vote against the program, proposed by County Executive Isiah Leggett (D). Philip Andrews (D-Dist. 3) of Gaithersburg, the council President, says the program should be scrapped entirely. The federal grant comes from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, and was received Sept. 23. The program falls under the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance.

The Maryland Online Community Newspaper Gazette.net reports the county has received two surplus military helicopters at no cost, and Leggett proposed funding a two-year evaluation program primarily out of the $2.5 million police drug fund. The program would cost about $1 million, according to Police spokesman Capt. Paul Starks. But some council members, including Andrews, say that it would be an illegal use of the confiscated drug money, which is earmarked for drug interdiction. Starks says drug enforcement is among the missions of the proposed aviation program, which would also include SAR, traffic management, and other investigations.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett

No council members have stated firmly they are in support of accepting the grant, which is necessary to get the program started. A spokesperson for Leggett questioned why the county would turn down free money for a program law enforcement says is vital for protecting its citizens.

Two council members, George L. Leventhal (D-At large) and Marc Elrich (D-At large) say their objection is over long-term funding of the program. They say the county is already squeezing police resources, and funding the helos would take police off the street. That sentiment was echoed by Councilman Michael J. Knapp (D-Dist. 2). "It locks us into doing something that I don't think makes much sense right now," he said. "We're in the middle of an economic recession. The grant will cover some of the costs, but it's going to cost us money."

Montgomery County Council President Phillip Andrews

The council is expected to take up the matter in the next few weeks. If they turn down the grant, the helicopters will likely be stored until such time as the program can be started, or they are needed in another jurisdiction.

FMI: www.montgomerycountymd.gov