What better way to fight crime in the river city than with one million dollars?

The new initiative is called the "Weed and Seed" project and is a $1 million federal grant to fund "weeding" out violent criminals and drug abusers and laying "seed" for much needed human services, such as alcohol and drug counseling.

"If we know we can knock down dilapidated houses, make green space, if we can provide mentoring, provide outreach programs to help the people that are addicted, those are programs that are going to help us sustain results for years to come," Huntington Police Chief, Skip Holbrook, said.

The "Weed and Seed" strategy is a community based, innovative, multi-agency approach to cracking down on criminal activity.

The first order of business for law enforcement...Artisan Avenue.

"That is the highest concentration of crime we have in this city right now, Holbrook said.

Holbrook says as of now, no new officers will be hired, but that may change in the next couple years. Until then, Holbrook says the money will be put to good use.

"It provides immediate funding for overtime, bike patrols and undercover operations," he said.

The five year, $1 million project will cover the Fairfield area and parts of the business section, as well as parts of Marcum Terrace.

Holbrook says the well sought after grant is one of the most competitive grants to get, and any community in the nation would be lucky to have it.