Lawrence County accepts Justice Assistance Grant funds; DA says he will apply directly next year

The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously May 26 to accept a Justice Assistance Grant award and pass this year’s funds to the City of Newcastle while the district attorney prepares to change how the award is handled going forward.

District Attorney Josh Lamacusa told the board the county has historically served as a pass‑through for the JAG award, which local law enforcement uses to purchase equipment. “It’s my intention next year to apply for the grant on behalf of the county through the DA’s office and to not pass the funds to the city,” Lamacusa said, explaining the county now has greater law‑enforcement capacity than when the pass‑through arrangement began.

Commissioner Kennedy raised a minor administrative issue about a signature page supplied with the agreement; the misspelling will be corrected before final execution. Commissioners Sonado, Kennedy and Bogler then voted by roll call to adopt Resolution 96.

Why it matters: JAG awards provide flexible federal funding for local law enforcement equipment and training. If the district attorney applies directly in future years and the county receives the award, the funds could be retained and budgeted for county law‑enforcement needs rather than being transferred to the city.

What’s next: The board approved the resolution and staff will correct the signature page as requested. Lamacusa said he plans to submit an application on behalf of the county next year; no application has yet been filed for future years.