"When the Special Distribution Fund (SDF) was established with the tribal compacts in 1999, it was designed in part to reimburse local governments impacted by tribal casinos. And it has certainly done that.

Last week, the Santa Barbara County Indian Gaming Benefits Committee approved more than $1.4 million in SDF grants to assist local governments. The grants for the 2010-11 SDF funding cycle will make it possible for our public agencies to keep our community safe, including ensuring that staffing levels are adequate at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The committee met to review the grant requests received and the members made their decisions based on the criteria outlined for SDF grant sponsorship. As a result, the following grant requests were approved:

* Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department: $675,000 for funding five deputy sheriff positions

* Santa Barbara County Fire Department: $524,000 for a firefighter-paramedic position.

* City of Buellton: $165,000 for additional law enforcement services.

* City of Solvang: $105,883 for the widening of the Alamo Pintado Bridge."

Get the Story:
Vincent Armenta: SDF fund contributes to stronger community (The Solvang Valley News 6/9)

Also Today:
Indian gaming committee distributes $1.5 million in grants (The Solvang Valley News 6/9)