Pubdate: Mon, 24 Dec 2007
Source: Shelbyville Times-Gazette (TN)
Copyright: 2007 Shelbyville Times-Gazette
Contact:  http://www.t-g.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1996
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?208 (Environmental Issues)

GORDON SECURES FUNDING FOR METH CLEANUP

U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon has helped to secure $1.1 million  in federal 
funding to help state and local officials  fight methamphetamine 
production and abuse.

"Strong state and federal laws are making an impact on  meth 
production, but we still have too many meth labs  in Tennessee," said 
Gordon. "Last year, Tennessee had  more meth lab seizures than all 
but four states. Law  enforcement needs better ways to detect 
clandestine meth labs and more resources to educate the 
community  about the dangers of meth abuse."

The Middle Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force will  receive 
$423,000 to combat meth abuse and expand law  enforcement and 
educational activities in the region.  The joint effort is carried 
out by Middle Tennessee  counties, Tennessee Technological University 
and the Tennessee 13th Judicial District.

"Much needs to be done to address the meth problem in  our region and 
throughout Tennessee," said TTU  President Bob Bell. "Faculty at 
universities like  Tennessee Tech can make use of their expertise, 
engaging in the level of research required to find real  solutions to 
the problems. We're hoping the passage of  this bill will allow TTU 
to make more progress."

According to a 2006 National Drug Threat Survey of  state and local 
law enforcement agencies across the  nation, meth was named most 
often as the greatest drug  threat in communities.

Funds secured by Gordon in previous years have enabled  the task 
force to hire a full-time prosecutor for meth,  provide training to 
district law enforcement officers  and purchase equipment to create a 
shared database of  meth lab locations. The task force also has used 
funds to educate and train teachers, apartment owners, 
trash  collectors, motel operators and other groups to  identify 
signs of meth production and abuse.

The legislation approved by the House of  Representatives on 
Wednesday also included $752,000 for  broader, statewide efforts to 
combat meth.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration,  Tennessee alone 
reported 401 meth lab seizures last  year. Only Missouri, Illinois, 
Indiana and Arkansas  reported more meth lab seizures.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom