State Receives $1.1 Million In Federal Grant Money For Toward Zero Death Initiative [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD -- Minnesota will receive more than $1.1-million in federal grant money to help with the state's Toward Zero Death initiative.

Minnesota Department of Safety Commissioner, Mona Dohman was at the  St. Cloud airport this morning (Tuesday) to announce the award from the Department of the Office of Traffic Safety.

Local and state law enforcement officials were also in attendance to show their support for the zero death campaign.

Commissioner Dohman says the funds will be an important factor in reaching their ultimate goal.

The Toward Zero Death initiative hopes to someday eliminate fatalities on Minnesota roadways through education and enforcement.

Although traffic deaths are up slightly this year a recent survey by the Minnesota Department of Safety show a nearly 95 percent seat belt compliance rate state-wide.