Rio Grande City, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $90,600 in federal funds to assist Rio Grande City in their efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. These funds, awarded through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program, will be used for overtime, protective equipment and supplies for our first responders.

“We must all work together to protect our law enforcement and first responders who are working on the front lines every day to keep South Texans safe,” said Congressman Cuellar. This funding will help ensure they receive the proper training, equipment, and medical support needed to combat this crisis. As a senior member on the Appropriations Committee, I am committed to fighting for our first responders receive the necessary support to slow the spread of the coronavirus and protect our community. I will continue to work with the State of Texas to ensure all funding that the federal government allocated is dispersed to the hard-working men and women combating this pandemic every day.”

Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program

As a senior Member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $850 million for the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) program in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The CESF Program provides financial assistance to cities and counties to address the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. Local governments are able to use this funding for overtime, equipment, hiring, supplies, training, travel expenses, and addressing the medical needs of inmates in state/ local prisons and detention centers. This funding is dispersed through the Texas’ Public Safety Office.