SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives has been awarded a $2 million community violence intervention grant. The grant will fund the Magna United Communities That Care Coalition.

According to a press release, the grant comes from the United States Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs.

Utilizing the grant money, the Care Coalition will enact a three-year plan to reduce youth violence in Magna. In addition to the $2 million, the grant includes two sub-awards to the Unified Police Department’s Choose Gang Free initiative.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson called this funding a “game changer.” She said it will help empower families and improve safety as well as outcomes for youth.

“We are committed to providing better opportunities for our youth and safer communities for all our residents,” Wilson said in a press release. “Salt Lake County is excited to bring additional support to the robust coalition in Magna striving to improve our local communities.”

According to the press release, youth detention rates have been on the rise in Magna since 2020.

Magna Township Council Member Trish Hull said the funding will “help prevent violence and strengthen community bonds.”

“It’s important to work with schools, families, and all kinds of community partners to intervene early and provide safety and opportunity for our young people,” Hull says in the press release. “Magna United is very excited to have this support.”

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