Congressman Henry Cuellar announced Tuesday that Webb County has received $2.89 million in federal funds from the Department of Homeland Security’s Stonegarden program to support local law enforcement for equipment and overtime pay.

Statewide, Texas received $20 million in law enforcement funding of the $55 million distributed nationwide.

“These additional funds will help reimburse local law enforcement as they work with the federal government to help provide protection of our southern border,” Cuellar said.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have worked to ensure that the hardworking men and women providing services and protection have the resources and support they need to get the job done.

“Since 2009, Webb County has received over $21.1 million in Operation Stonegarden funds.

I want to thank the Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar and the men and women who secure our border communities.”

Cuellar, brother to the congressman, said: “These $2.893 million will go a long way, as they will allow us to continue our efforts in combating crime and drug trafficking in our area.

“It is through programs such as Operation Stonegarden that we are able to provide a stronger sense of security and safety to those whom we serve.

On behalf of all the residents in Webb County, I thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for always having our best interest in mind.”

The fiscal year 2015 Operation Stonegarden program provides $55 million to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States’ borders along routes of ingress from international borders to include travel corridors in states bordering Mexico and Canada, as well as states and territories with international water borders.

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