NATION : Flow of Drug Grants Disputed

WASHINGTON — The federal government boasted today that it has sent states nearly $4.5 billion in anti-drug block grants since 1987 and claimed victory in unplugging obstacles that have delayed the flow of money to states.

However, the U.S. Conference of Mayors was unimpressed with the report by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, contending the money is not making its way to local governments, which are bearing the violent brunt of the drug crisis.

The report’s preliminary estimates show that for fiscal year 1991, California will reap the most from the three block grants--$160.5 million and a 115% increase over the amount it received in 1989. Wyoming will receive the least amount among the 50 states, $4.7 million.

The grants are for law enforcement efforts, distributed by the Justice Department; treatment, distributed by the Department of Health and Human Services; and prevention, distributed by the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.