ARCATA -- The efforts of Arcata Police Lt. Tom Chapman paid off for three North Coast law enforcement agencies in their efforts to curb alcohol-related crimes.

The Arcata, Eureka and Humboldt State police departments will be sharing a $39,900 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to assist with alcohol education programs.

"I saw this as an opportunity for local agencies to work together towards a common goal of reducing underage drinking and the tragedies associated with it," said Chapman, who wrote the grant application.

A portion of the money will be used to educate alcohol retailers on underage drinking and illegal alcohol sales. The grant also pays for enforcement of alcohol violations like using a minor decoy to buy alcohol in a store and drunken driving.

"Beyond recognizing that alcohol abuse interferes with academic success, we know alcohol-related crimes jeopardize our students' very lives," said HSU Police Chief Bob Foster. "We are excited about providing both enforcement and educational resources to this special program, bringing the University and local cities together in an effective, dynamic community team pulled together by this grant."

More than 70 public safety agencies from around the state applied for one of the 22 grants awarded.

"This is not only a great opportunity for us to deal with alcohol abuse issues involving minors and others, but also a tremendous multi-agency ability to work cooperatively in our jurisdictions and on request in other jurisdictions," said Eureka Police Chief Dave Douglas.

The money is re-imbursable and went into effect July 1.