Rio Grande City, TX—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $2,271,857 in federal funds for Starr 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 Starr 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 $17.2 million in OPSG funds for Starr 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 Starr County Sheriff Rene Fuentes, Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, the Starr County Commissioners Court, as well as all local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping to secure our southern border.”

Starr County Sheriff Rene Fuentes said, "I thank Congressman Henry Cuellar and the federal government for providing Starr County with these funds and allowing us to enhance our community's security. These dollars go a long way in our mission of keeping our community safe. We will use these funds to strengthen our existing structure and identify new practices to continue to make Starr County one of the safest Counties in all of Texas."

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.

Congressman Cuellar presented DHS Operation Stonegarden Grant to Starr County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday in Rio Grande City. Pictured from left to right are: Congressman Henry Cuellar, Sheriff Rene Fuentes and County Judge Eloy Vera.

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