Just talked to my friend... The federal funding is more for their overtime incurred when handling traffic violations (?-couldn't understand, reception on cellphone was horrible). Seems like they can work x amount of OT and get paid for it. Why is that different from regular OT? Don't know but it seems like a big deal for them.
So, to everyone, drive safe. They will be out there more often and not just this month but every frikin moment from now on. At least they will be more visible now, not just hanging out somewhere.