At Wednesday's Sedgwick County Commission meeting, the board approved applying for two grants that, if approved, will benefit the county's regional forensic science center.
Dr. Shelly Steadman, the center’s director, says three important instruments in use there now have limited support and will be obsolete in two years. One of the three will be replaced, costing $276,250.
Commissioner Lacey Cruse voiced concern that if the center wasn't awarded the competitive grant, the county would have to foot the bill to replace the aging equipment.
Another $150 thousand is needed to send cases to private labs to help clear the backlog.
An additional $265 thousand formula grant would fund maintenance of critical instrumentation and software, along with providing supplies for DNA extraction and assisting with backlog reduction.