Harford County law enforcement agencies will receive funding for highway safety

Sep. 15—The Harford County Sheriff's Office will receive $96,000 in highway safety funding as part of an effort to prevent motor vehicle crashes and fatalities, according to a news release.

This money is a portion of the $13 million in federal and state funding granted to more than 90 agencies and organizations announced by Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday. State funds were distributed at the start of the fiscal year, and federal funds will be distributed by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration's Highway Safety Office on Oct. 1.

"Since the beginning of our administration, we have worked to prioritize safety on our highways through innovative projects and partnerships," Hogan said in the news release. "These grants will continue to help reduce crashes and fatalities all across the state and ensure highway safety remains a top priority."

In addition to the county sheriff's office funding, the Aberdeen Police Department will receive $1,750, the Bel Air Police Department will receive $7,700 and the Havre de Grace Police Department will receive $5,000.

The highway safety funding will support initiatives such as increasing seat belt usage; preventing drivers from being impaired, aggressive or distracted; and providing overtime enforcement of state traffic laws, among other goals.

"This is repeat funding that we get every year," said Kyle Andersen of the Harford County Sheriff's Office. "The money supports traffic enforcement efforts lead by our Traffic Unit."

In 2019, Harford County accounted for 2.9% of Maryland's traffic crashes, 2.8% of the injuries and 3.2% of the fatalities, according to the Harford County Strategic Highway Safety Plan for 2021-2025. Also in 2019, Harford County accounted for 4.2% of the state's population.