FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., announced his administration is awarding $2.1 million in grant funding to 14 law enforcement agencies and a nonprofit organization to curb the sale of illegal drugs and fight addiction in the state.

The awards are from Kentucky’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and are federal funds. It’s part of an effort by Beshear’s administration to decrease overdose deaths in Kentucky. The funding will be used to support drug task forces while also supporting prevention, drug treatment, education, mental health, and crime and witness programs.

According to the governor’s office, Kentucky was recognized earlier this year as one of eight states to see a decline in drug overdoses last year. The decline was over 5% compared with the previous year. It was the first decline since 2018.

“These funds allow us to continue our support for crime victims while aiding law enforcement in their effort to create a better, safer Kentucky,” Beshear said. “By working together, we can take illegal drugs off the streets and ensure the services provided to affected Kentuckians are second to none.”

In addition to continued support for drug task forces, this year’s awards include support for de-escalation and conflict resolution training curriculum for law enforcement officers. It will also provide resources to what the administration termed, “the justice-involved population.”

The funding will serve to further reduce the recidivism rate in Kentucky, which is currently the lowest in the state’s history.

“The drug problem facing our nation is a much larger issue than something law enforcement can combat on our own,” said Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force Director Scott Hardcorn, one of the groups receiving funding.

For a full list of 2023-24 award recipients, visit the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet’s website.

Beshear has made boosting public safety one of his top priorities as he enters the final stretch of a difficult bid for re-election in November.