Safe road grants headed to area

The state has approved for Hill County Justice Court a $70,141 grant from the Montana Department of Transportation, the third in a three-year grant to fund the DUI Court.

MDT made the announcement Tuesday.

Justice of the Peace Audrey Barger said she appreciated the grant because she has seen the difference the program has made in keeping drunken drivers off the streets and in improving the lives of the people involved.

The program often keeps people out of jail, and offers them help in restoring their lives. It involves encouraging people to get jobs and frequent drug and alcohol tests.

She said she is saddened to see so many accidents, especially fatal accidents, that are blamed on intoxicated drivers.

State Transportation Director Mike Tooley said the state is headed in the wrong direction in its effort to reduce traffic fatalities.

“So far this year the number of fatalities are outpacing last year, and we are heading the wrong direction if zero is the goal,” said Tooley. “Preventing these fatalities is up to everyone, not just those who do it for a living. Make sure everyone is the vehicle is buckled up, pay attention to the road, and never let anyone drive impaired.”

The DUI Court program is one of several funded by the Vision Zero program which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities.

Some police departments received funding for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, or STEP, that funds overtime for police officers so they can increase patrols to catch drunken drivers and those failing to follow mandatory seat belt laws.

Some money was allocated for the Native American Safe On All Roads programs active on reservations throughout the state.

Hi-Line municipalities receiving the money include:

• Chippewa Cree Tribe, Rocky Boy Safe On All Roads, $38,000.

• Fort Belknap Tribal Police, STEP and equipment, $12,500

• Fort Belknap Indian Community, Fort Belknap Safe On All Roads, $23,000

• Havre Police Department, STEP and equipment, $14,500.