CBS19

Legislation providing money for two projects in Greene County has passed through the U.S. House of Representatives.

Members of Congress voted Wednesday to pass a bill sending $820,000 for community-focused projects to Greene County.

The money is part of the House-passed fiscal year 2024 appropriations package.

Of that money, $750,000 will go toward making safety, security and acccess improvements at Greene County Community Park.

According to a release, the improvements would include building an overflow parking lot, paving the main parking lot, lighting for both parking lots, bringing public water to the park’s concession stand and restroom building, winterizing the concession stand and restroom building for year-round access, installing a programmable electronic gate at the entrance, and installing lighting at the playground.

“Greene County Parks and Recreation is proud to be the recipient of the Community Project Funding for improvements at the Greene County Community Park. The park serves as a place for the community to come together, its home to several of our sports leagues, and is utilized by various public, private, and civic groups throughout Greene,” said Justin L. Bullock, MA, CPRP, Director, Greene County Parks and Recreation. “Usage at the park and its services has grown exponentially in the past few years. I’m excited to continue investing in the infrastructure to support this growth. Not only will this enhance the safety, security, and overall experience as visitors utilize the park; but this support will help position parks and recreation to continue working toward phases outlined in the park master plan. Many thanks to Greene County staff and Representative Spanberger’s office for their support to enhance the park.”

The other $70,000 would allow the Greene County Sheriff’s Office to buy a new virtual reality training system that will give deputies the ability to experience realistic simulations.

The release says this kind of training will increase proficiency in de-escalation and crisis intervention skills as well as improve safety for law enforcement and the community while reducing use-of-force incidents.

“We are very excited to receive this Virtual Reality Training System, as it will provide realistic scenarios that the deputies encounter on a day-to-day basis,” said Sheriff Steven S. Smith, Greene County Sheriff’s Office. “Some scenarios that they rarely respond to give them training in the best and safest ways to respond to them.”

The legislation must now be taken up by the U.S. Senate.