UNA received a $272,939 grant from Governor Robert Bentley Wednesday in conjunction with a project to reduce gun violence in north Alabama, according to a release from the state of Alabama.

The grant will benefit UNA’s Our Partners Excel project which aims to put an end to violent crime in the area. The project includes three phases, which are law enforcement training, school-based violence prevention programs and rehabilitation for criminals.

“A successful fight against violent crime requires both punishment and prevention,” Bentley said in a press release. “I commend those involved with this project for their efforts to prevent and reduce violence in Alabama.”

Tanja Blackstone, director of UNA Sponsored Programs, was informed of the grant Wednesday. Officials said the grant came from funds that were given to the state of Alabama by the U.S. Justice Department.

Look for more information about this story in the Jan. 26 issue of The Flor-Ala.