Miller-Meeks Secures $500,000 For SAFECITY Initiative In Oskaloosa
IOWA — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) announced that she has secured $500,000 for Oskaloosa’s SAFECity Initiative in the recently passed appropriations package.
“This investment strengthens the Oskaloosa Police Department’s ability to protect the community by giving officers the modern tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, without placing additional burden on local taxpayers,” said Miller-Meeks. “From license plate recognition and upgraded cameras to panic buttons in our schools, the SAFECity Initiative is a forward-thinking investment in public safety, accountability, and the men and women in uniform who serve Oskaloosa every day.”
“The SAFECity Initiative represents a major step forward in how we protect and serve our community. These resources will strengthen school safety, improve our response to emergencies, and give officers better tools to prevent crime before it happens. We appreciate Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ leadership in securing this investment for Oskaloosa and for recognizing the importance of proactive, technology-driven policing.” - Benjamin Boeke, Oskaloosa Chief of Police
Project Details
- $500,000 for the SAFECity Initiative in Oskaloosa: Funding would be used for advanced law enforcement technology and public safety upgrades, including pole-mounted license plate recognition cameras, upgraded in-car and body-worn cameras that integrate with LPR systems, and modernized interview and interrogation rooms with high-quality audio and video recording to support investigations and prosecutions. The funding could also support upgrades to the department’s intoxication investigation room, Common Operating Picture software that integrates data from multiple sources into a single shared display, and a Distributed Antenna System with school panic buttons to directly connect schools to law enforcement under Alyssa’s Law. Additional eligible uses include the purchase of a drone with thermal imaging capabilities and a low-speed electric vehicle for community policing, special events, and recreation trail safety.
Background:
Congresswoman Miller-Meeks included the funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations package, which has now passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.
This investment is part of the more than $8 million in Community Project Funding Miller-Meeks has secured for Southeast Iowa in the 119th Congress, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to delivering federal resources back to the district.
The President’s signature is anticipated in the coming days.
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