VALDOSTA — A 67 percent cut in the Byrne grant was the main topic of discussion during the South Georgia Drug Task Force bi-monthly control meeting, which was held Thursday evening in Lanier County.

The drastic cut in funds is expected to have a detrimental impact on drug enforcement in the area, since the grant funds 75 percent of the Task Force budget.

As a result of the cut the Byrne/Jag Grant, which was funded for $520 million nationally during fiscal year 2007 has decreased to $170.4 million for FY08. It was approved and passed by Congress and signed by the president Dec. 21, 2007.

However, Georgia Representative Jack Kingston and Georgia Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss all voted against the cuts.

Since the Task Force began in 1990, 4,178 drug cases have been open throughout six county areas the force serves in Georgia.

More information will be provided on the grant in the Saturday edition of The Times.