Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded nearly $2 million in federal grants to bolster public safety, assist crime victims and improve energy efficiency in government and nonprofit facilities across Alabama.

The awards include more than $200,000 to support victims of domestic violence and assault in southwest Alabama, with Baldwin County receiving a substantial portion of the funds. Two grants totaling $60,009 were awarded to Baldwin Family Violence Shelter (The Lighthouse) in Robertsdale. The shelter provides crisis intervention, counseling, safe housing and other support services for victims in Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties.

"Domestic violence and other types of abuse know no borders; they affect people of all races, incomes and social statuses," Ivey said in a Tuesday news release. "I commend these agencies and departments for engaging their resources to help victims and ensure perpetrators are held accountable."

The grants, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), come from funding provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. Additional support will go to other counties in the region, including Mobile and Washington, to expand similar initiatives.

Another round of grants, totaling close to $700,000, will help local governments, utilities and nonprofit organizations make energy-efficient upgrades to lighting, HVAC and wastewater systems. In Baldwin County, the City of Foley Utilities Board received $27,150 to upgrade equipment at the Sunset Loop wastewater pump station. The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama Area Command was awarded $50,000 to install HVAC units at its Foley thrift store.

"These grants provide a practical and long-term solution to high energy costs for public and nonprofit agencies that often operate with limited funds," Ivey said. "These upgrades will be a boon for budgets and in many cases will directly improve services the organizations offer."

Additionally, Ivey awarded more than $1.5 million to support six statewide programs focused on tackling drug crimes, domestic violence and human trafficking, while expanding care for victims of sexual assault and related crimes. Recipients include:

Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences – $278,571 for equipment to analyze opioid and synthetic drug cases

Alabama Administrative Office of Courts – $81,549 for domestic violence education and training

Office of Prosecution Services – $150,000 for a Domestic Violence Resource Prosecutor Program

Alabama Coalition Against Rape – $135,000 for training and support for victims of sexual violence and exploitation

Camille Place – $50,110 to provide housing, therapy and education to human trafficking survivors

Covenant Rescue Group – $335,000 for law enforcement training and operations targeting human trafficking and child exploitation

"These grants will have positive impacts across the state, helping keep our communities safe by improving the ability of criminal justice agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes and by offering safe haven and professional guidance to crime victims looking to rebuild their lives," Ivey said. "I am pleased to support the missions of these programs and commend those who perform this important work throughout the state."

ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell echoed that support, noting the agency's role in administering programs that strengthen law enforcement, support victim services and promote community well-being.

"ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these programs to pursue justice and provide critical services to crime victims," Boswell said.

For more information on ADECA and its programs, visit www.adeca.alabama.gov.