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ALBANY, Ga.(WALB) — The Albany Police Department has been awarded a $281,777.84 Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

The funding, part of a statewide initiative, aims to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by impaired driving and speeding.

According to APD, the department will use the grant to strengthen local DUI enforcement, promote seatbelt use, and increase public education on traffic safety. “This is a great opportunity for the department and our local law enforcement partners to expand our efforts in traffic safety and driver education,” said Albany Police Chief Michael Persley.

The H.E.A.T. program targets Georgia jurisdictions with high rates of traffic crashes and fatalities.

The Albany Police Department will also participate in year-round DUI and seatbelt enforcement campaigns, including Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket.

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