A branch of the federal government announced Wednesday that a $2.9 million grant has been approved to support services for Aurora theater shooting victims.

The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime, part of the U.S. Justice Department, said in a media release that the award will aid victims in their recovery and participation in the criminal justice process.

“OVC is committed to promoting justice and healing for all victims of crime,” said Joye Frost, acting OVC Director.

The Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) is the primary recipient of the three-year award for $2.9 million funded through OVC’s Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP). CDPS will provide funding to other Colorado agencies, including the 18th District Attorney’s Office, Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, Aurora Mental Health Center, Denver and Aurora Police Departments, and Jefferson and Arapahoe County Sheriffs’ Departments.

Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822, knicholson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/kierannicholson