BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A federal grant is helping the Bellingham Police Department bring back its motorcycle traffic unit.

The Department of Justice has awarded the city more than $44,000 to revive the unit, which was shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding will also pay for upgraded radios, scanners, printers and other communications equipment used by officers.

Bellingham’s award is part of more than $8 million in federal grants announced for law enforcement and public safety agencies across Washington. Recipients include Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Snohomish County and Kitsap County.

The money will support technology upgrades, officer training, crime prevention programs and specialized equipment.