Edinburg, TX—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $4,750,000 in federal funds for Hidalgo County through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG).  The Stonegarden Program increases operational capabilities of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The funds for Hidalgo County will support law enforcement through funding equipment, over-time pay and support interagency operations. Additionally, the Congressman secured $90 million nationwide for the program, a $5 million increase from FY18 through his role in Appropriations.

“Border security in Texas requires a variety of strategies and resources as well as coordination on the federal, state, and local level,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These funds will provide much-needed support for our law enforcement who are working tirelessly to keep our border communities safe. Since 2008, I have secured $35.2 million in OPSG funds for Hidalgo County. As the Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I will continue to ensure the men and women of law enforcement have the necessary funding to keep our South Texas communities safe and secure. I want to thank Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court, as well as all local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping to secure our southern border.”

Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra said, “Congressman Henry Cuellar helped secure 4.7 million dollars to be used by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and nineteen other agencies for Operation Stonegarden. These funds will help law enforcement as they work to provide protection of our southern border and county. “ 

The FY 2019 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) program provides $90 million to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the US border. This includes travel corridors in states bordering Mexico and Canada, as well as states and territories with international water borders.

To read the DHS’ Operation Stonegarden Grant Program Announcement, click here.

To read more about Operation Stonegarden, click here.

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