Rio Grande City, TX—Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $2,392,000 in federal funds to support border security in Starr County. The money will be used by the Starr County Sheriff’s Office to pay for overtime hours, operating expenses, and new equipment—resources that are necessary for the security of the community.

“Every year, the resources provided by the Stonegarden Program assist our local law enforcement in their efforts to protect our border community. The funds provide new, updated equipment that is essential to improve operations, pay for operating expenses, and with money to pay for overtime hours, we can provide the necessary manpower to keep our community safe at all times,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Since 2008, I have secured nearly $22 million in Operation Stonegarden funds for Starr County and delivered over $123 million in total OPSG funding. With my seat in Appropriations, I will continue to provide our local law enforcement with more federal funds to keep our South Texas communities safe and secure.”

Congressman Cuellar continued, “I want to thank Starr County Sheriff Rene Fuentes, as well as the local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping to secure our southern border.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden Grant Program provides funding to law enforcement agencies with the objective of enhancing border security.

Up to $90,000,000 is available in total Operation Stonegarden funding for FY2021. OPSG funds are allocated based on the risk to the security of the border.

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

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