Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt Secures Funds for Baldwin County Patrol and Rescue Boat

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 28, 2024 – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, secured $396,000 for the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

This congressionally directed spending would enable Baldwin County to upgrade public safety equipment, including the procurement of a patrol and rescue boat and other water and public safety equipment.

“Baldwin County is at the heart of Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast and offers so much for Alabamians and tourists alike to enjoy, but this natural beauty and extensive coastline also comes with significant challenges for law enforcement,” said Senator Britt. “With this $396,000, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office would be able to upgrade its public safety equipment to better protect our families and communities year-round.”

“We are so blessed to have the most pristine beaches of the United States in Baldwin County, Alabama. We welcome thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy the recreation and the solitude of our area. However, we do face many challenges that are presented by the Gulf of Mexico. This particular grant will help us to ensure the safety of not only those who live in our county but of the thousands of United States citizens that visit us each year,” said Baldwin County Sheriff Huey Hoss Mack.

“I’m extremely appreciative of Senator Britt and her attention to this matter. Baldwin County and its beaches are great, and this will ensure us to make sure that we continue to offer the best and safest environment for all those who come here. I want to personally thank Senator Britt for her attention to this matter,” he continued.

The FY25 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

Overall, Senator Britt secured $7.16 million in justice-related congressionally directed spending in the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2025.

BACKGROUND:

Senator Britt is an advocate for ensuring the unique needs of Alabama’s communities—rural and urban—are met. This includes supporting law enforcement officers.

Senator Britt is a staunch champion of Alabama’s law enforcement community. She is a cosponsor of the Back the Blue Act which would strengthen existing laws that protect police officers increase criminal penalties for individuals who target law enforcement expand tools police can use to protect themselves. Senator Britt is also a cosponsor of Thin Blue Line Act which would expand list statutory aggravating factors capital punishment determinations include killing targeting law enforcement officer firefighter first responder.