By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved the signing of an application for a Nebraska Department of Transportation Selective Overtime Enforcement mini-grant that would help fund additional law enforcement patrols during NebraskaLand Days.
Deputy Chris McCauley of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office told commissioners the department is seeking $20,000 through the alcohol enforcement grant program, which runs from June 15 through June 30.
McCauley said the funding would be used to place additional deputies on patrol during NebraskaLand Days activities, with a focus on alcohol-related enforcement, including driving under the influence offenses and minor in possession violations.
"Our goal has always been around this time to have zero fatal or serious injuries, traffic crash injuries, in the county," McCauley said during Monday's meeting.
McCauley said the Sheriff's Office applies for the grant annually and that the $20,000 request is consistent with funding levels sought in recent years.
The program operates on a reimbursement basis. After the application is submitted, the state determines the amount of funding that will be awarded, which could be less than the requested amount. The number of overtime patrol hours worked will depend on the final award.
Commissioners thanked the Sheriff's Office for pursuing outside funding to support traffic safety efforts during NebraskaLand Days, citing the increased number of visitors and vehicles in the area during the annual celebration.
The board unanimously approved authorizing the chair to sign the grant application and award documents.