Codington County Approves $4 Million in Federal Grant Applications for Watertown Public Safety, Mental Health and Jail Programs
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington County Commissioners on Tuesday approved applications for two major federal grants aimed at strengthening public safety, expanding mental health services, and supporting staffing and treatment programs inside the county’s detention center.
Community Service Director Sara Foust and grant coordinator Angie presented the proposals, noting that both opportunities were identified by the county’s current COSEP grant evaluators, who also offered to write the applications.
“These opportunities were presented to us by our current evaluators for the COSEP grant,” Foust said. “They are willing to write them for us, which is a huge lift.”
The grants must be submitted next week, prompting the request for immediate commission approval.
Grant #1: Public Safety & Mental Health Initiative — $3 Million Over Three Years
The first application is for the Bureau of Justice Assistance Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative Grant, totaling $3 million over three years.
Foust said the grant would support:
· Medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals with substance use disorders
· Staffing at the Human Service Agency
· Reentry programming
· Sustainability for programs launched under the county’s existing COSEP grant
· Partnerships with the Sheriff’s Office, Human Service Agency, and City of Watertown
“A lot of what’s included in this grant would cover needs that the sheriff’s department has,” Foust said. “We’re really appreciative for their partnership.”
The grant requires a match, but Foust said it can be covered through in‑kind contributions, such as existing staffing.
“They will incorporate what those match dollars look like before we submit it to make sure it’s not going to be a financial burden,” she said.
Commissioners asked whether this grant included equipment previously discussed with the Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioner Lee Gabel sought clarification:
“Is this the one that would help us in the equipment we were talking about?”
Foust confirmed:
“Yes, this is the one.”
She noted that some items—such as monitoring devices for individuals detoxing or experiencing substance‑related medical issues—may be eligible depending on final budgeting.
Commissioners approved the application unanimously.
Grant #2: COSSUP Grant — $1 Million Over Three Years
The second grant is a new COSSUP (Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program) application, totaling $1 million over three years.
Angie explained that after reviewing the initial proposal for the mental health grant, evaluators recommended separating out jail‑specific items into a standalone COSSUP application.
“We have a higher chance of getting the actual COSSUP grant,” Angie said. “It’s a little less competitive.”
The COSSUP grant would fund:
· Staffing inside the detention center
· Substance use disorder medications administered within the jail
· Programming aimed at reducing recidivism
· Support for secure classroom space and treatment programming
“The COSSUP grant now is almost 100% related to the detention facility,” Angie said. “This specifically addresses their number one need, which is staff.”
She added that the Sheriff’s Office provided a ranked list of four priority items, and the grant directly addresses the top priority.
Commissioner Myron Johnson praised the approach:
“This is again the kinds of things we’re talking about—staffing, program space in the jail, and programs that help with recidivism and substance abuse.”
Foust noted that unlike the first grant, COSSUP requires no match.
Commissioners approved the application unanimously.
Timeline
Foust said the county must submit its intent to apply by the end of this week, with full applications due next week.
“Writing a $1 million grant is no small feat,” she said. “But Tara, who will be writing it, said, ‘Oh, I can do that in my sleep.’”
