Reps. Charles H. Taylor (R-NC-11) and Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) announced today that they secured $250,000 through the FY06 State-Science-Justice-Commerce Appropriations bill to combat methamphetamine use and production in Rutherford County. Reps. Taylor and McHenry both represent Rutherford County in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I was pleased to be able to secure these funds through the appropriations process,” said Rep. Taylor. “Methamphetamine abuse is the number one law enforcement issue in our region. Use and production continue to grow and leave behind hopelessness and broken families. It is my hope that this funding will help alleviate some of the tragic effects of meth. I also believe that the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department will be good stewards of this money. Their dedication together with these new resources will go a long way toward solving this problem.”

Rutherford County has one of the highest rates of meth abuse in the state and this money will be crucial in reducing the manufacture of the highly addictive drug. The funding will be presented to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department and will be used for education programs and equipment to curb meth’s production.

“Combating methamphetamines is a top priority in our communities because of the devastation it causes to so many families, especially in Rutherford County,” said Congressman McHenry. “The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department has been proactive in battling meth and their commitment is paying off. I am confident that Chief Deputy Philip Byers and his department will use this money to continue fighting this deadly drug invading our communities.”

“Rutherford County and Western North Carolina have been stricken with the methamphetamine epidemic,” said Chief Deputy Philip Byers. “Congressmen Taylor and Congressman McHenry are working closely with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office to provide the federal funding that will help staff our Interstate Drug Interdiction Team. Thanks to the tireless work of both Congressmen, Rutherford County is one step closer to winning the war on methamphetamine addiction and abuse.”