Three local programs would receive a total of more than $1.6 million in funding under a bill approved today by the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, announced Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz.

"These programs represent a sound investment of federal dollars," Pastor said. "While this is just the first step in securing funding for these programs as we go through the legislative process, I believe the committee's action indicates the strong support these programs will receive from the full Congress."

Funding for the programs was included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Bill. The bill now moves to the full House for its approval. Pastor is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

The programs, which would receive funding from the Department of Justice, include:

• $949,000 for the city of Glendale Public Safety Vehicle Technology Project. This project would provide public safety enforcement and response tools, while acting as a valuable aid to criminal and civil prosecutions and training efforts.
• $600,000 for the Operation Quality Time After-School Program. Operation QT, which has programs in numerous elementary, middle and high schools in west and south Phoenix, uses recreation and academic components to help steer youth towards constructive activities and help them with character growth and self-esteem.
• $69,000 for Phoenix Prosecutors Criminal Record System Computer Servers. In order to increase efficiency when prosecuting criminal activities, a Record Management System is needed to provide the method and equipment necessary for the City Prosecutor's Office to utilize computer records rather than the more inefficient paper files. The funding requested would provide necessary equipment to help prevent errors and bring Phoenix's criminal record system into the 21st Century.