Johnson County law enforcement departments apply for grant funding; Iowa City looking for speed trailer

IOWA CITY - The Iowa City Police Department is seeking federal funding to buy a speed display trailer.

According to a news release, the department is applying for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant for fiscal year 2016, along with the Johnson County Sheriff's office. The departments have been notified they are eligible for $28,453 in grant funding, of which Iowa City would receive $14,795.56.

The police department currently does not have a functioning speed display trailer, but at one time deployed two speed display trailers on a regular basis, according to the news release. The Iowa City Council has approved the purchase of one speed display trailer in fiscal 2017. The grant funding would be used to purchase one more.

Police said the speed display trailer - which also can display messages - would be deployed in area to reduce speeds through work, school and residential zones, as well as encourage speed limit compliance, increase safety and get information to motorists.