CLAY COUNTY-The local sheriff’s department here was recently awarded a Highway Safety Grant “to promote public safety on Clay County roads and to curb drunk driving,” a release from State Senator Mark Pody’s office said.

The release explained the $5,000 given by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security will be used for “high visibility enforcement,” and said the grant money will be disbursed by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

“The grants are provided to agencies that successfully applied for funding who meet the required data-driven criteria and highway safety standard,” the release said.  “Grant applications must be in line with THSO’s mission to reduce traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities.”

“I am very pleased that we have been able to secure these highway safety grants to help make our roads safer,” Pody said.  “I also appreciate all the hard work that our local officials have done in helping us to receive these funds.”