Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., announced the inclusion of $500,000 for the Pierce County Regional Gang Prevention Partnership in a 2010 spending bill.

The Pierce County gang partnership focuses on preventing at-risk youth from entering a lifetime of criminal behavior.

A conference committee between the Senate and the House produced the final draft of the federal spending bill and the bill is expected to reach President Barack Obama’s desk for his signature.

“This funding will protect our families from gang violence and improve the quality of life throughout Pierce County,” said Sen. Murray. “By providing at-risk youth with the skills and opportunities they need to change their lives, we not only give our young people the chance they deserve to succeed, but we also create safer streets and stronger communities.”

The Pierce County Regional Gang Prevention Partnership joins prevention specialists, police, prosecutors, schools, and community based and health organizations to collaborate throughout the county. Together they identify services to help youth and families who are impacted by drugs, violence and gang-related issues.

“The regional partnership for gang prevention is a powerful alliance that builds networks so our youth can truly have a chance for a healthy and safe lifestyle,” said Priscilla Lisicich, executive director of Safe Streets Campaign in Tacoma. “This funding, so generously supported by our congressional delegation, gives us resources to work together collaboratively and provide critical services to gang-impacted youth and families, thereby creating positive futures for hundreds of youth.”

Gang-related violence increased in Washington during recent years and the 2009 National Gang Threat Assessment indicates a rise in gang activity in the Pacific Northwest and reports in some communities gangs are responsible for up to 80 percent of all violent crime.