Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today announced that funding he secured for New Mexico drug courts is being released by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts, Drug Court Program will receive $254,889 that Bingaman requested in a fiscal year 2008 spending bill.  Funding will be used to provide treatment, case management services, and drug testing.        

"Drug courts have been incredibly effective in reducing the recidivism rate in New Mexico and are very cost effective compared to incarceration.  This funding will help our state expand and continue this important program," Bingaman said.

As part of a 5-year plan to place a drug court in every county, the state has established 35 drug courts in 24 of New Mexico's 33 counties.