LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Federal drug policy officials have chosen Kentucky to share in a $2.5 million federal grant to help combat the heroin surge in states.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Kentucky is among several states that will share the grant. McConnell says he learned of the grant from the nation's drug czar, Michael Botticelli.
McConnell says federal resources are needed to help fight the heroin epidemic. The money will go for several initiatives, including law enforcement training and public health partnerships.
Kentucky lawmakers passed a sweeping anti-heroin bill earlier this year.
The new law allows local governments to set up programs in which addicts can swap dirty needles for clean ones. It also toughens penalties for heroin dealers of at least 60 grams and increases spending on substance abuse treatment programs.
(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
