ANTI-METH COALITION TO RECEIVE FUNDING

Carson City's new anti-methamphetamine coalition is slated to receive
federal funding for the battle against methamphetamine, U.S. Rep. Jim
Gibbons, R-Reno, said Thursday.

"This is a great day for Nevada," said Gibbons, a candidate for
governor. " ... I'm excited we are finally attacking the meth
epidemic from all aspects."

The amount will be determined later by a conference committee.
Gibbons said he also will seek money for the Washoe County Meth
Community Response Alliance and other counties.

Gibbons said the Carson City coalition is a model not only for the
state but the nation.

"They are a powerful team and a great tool in the fight against
meth," Gibbons said.

The Partnership Carson City Anti-Meth Coalition had received $200,000
from the city, said City Manager Linda Ritter, a coalition member.

Members of the coalition include the mayor, sheriff, school
superintendant, district attorney, police and treatment and education
representatives.

Ritter said the money could be used for police drug dogs, law
enforcement training, treatment and counseling and keeping data on
their efforts. The money will be used for law enforcement, community
awareness, education/prevention, public policy and
treatment/rehabilitation task forces.

Officials with the Washoe County Community Meth Response Alliance
said the funding announcement will motivate them to look for funding
resources outside the community, as well as gives them hope they too
could receive funding to expand its efforts.

"Hats off to Carson City for their energy and setting the tone for
the rest of the state," said Kevin Quint, executive director of Join
Together Northern Nevada and heads the Washoe County anti-meth
coalition. "I hope we have similar success."

The Washoe County group does not receive federal or state funds,
although small grants are used for some initiatives. The group has
held community meetings and is working on a media campaign.

In January 2005, Carson City officials rated meth use and
distribution as the community's top priority and committed $10,000 to
implement the coalition.

"Prevent meth use. Change lives" bumper stickers adorn police, city
and school vehicles. Hundreds have attended community meetings and
used a hotline to report meth crimes and one to find treatment.

A team of seven officers was created in November to focus on meth
street dealers and crime. Authorities say several arrests have
resulted from the tip line.

Between April 2004 and April 2006, two of three defendants in Carson
City courts who tested positive for drug use had meth in their systems.

In March, Carson City Mayor Marv Teixeira lobbied in Washington,
D.C., for $350,000, so the coalition can continue in 2007. The
coalition is partners with Carson City High School, which has been
active in teen awareness campaigns.

"We have these task forces and know what we want to do, but there was
no funding," Ritter said. "We knew we had to do something here
because we saw meth's affects in our jails and our children."