Laredo, TX – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $4,305,000 in federal funds to support border security in Webb County. The funds, provided by Operation Stonegarden, will be used for:

• Overtime hours/applicable fringe benefits for border security for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, Laredo Police Department, Offices of the Precincts 1 – 4 Constables, and Webb County Attorney Investigators;
• Overtime hours/applicable fringe benefits for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office radio dispatchers; and,
• Fuel reimbursement for patrol vehicles utilized during overtime operations.

This grant will impact the more than 267,000 residents of Webb County.

“Every year, the resources provided by Operation Stonegarden assist our local law enforcement in their efforts to protect our border communities. By providing resources for more manpower and fuel, these federal funds allow our local law enforcement to carry out the necessary operations to enhance security along our southern border,” said Dr. Cuellar, a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I helped start Operation Stonegarden in 2008 and have since secured nearly $54 million in Operation Stonegarden funds for Webb County. This has meant more security for the people at the border to feel safe at home, work, and school. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue to provide the necessary funding our local law enforcement agencies need to keep our South Texas communities safe and secure. Thank you to Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, Border Patrol, and our local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping secure our southern border.”

“The Webb County Sheriff’s Office is extremely appreciative of the efforts of the Honorable Dr. Henry Cuellar and his hard-working staff. This federal funding will assist the local communities of Laredo/Webb County by providing needed enhancements to homeland security endeavors by local law enforcement agencies, including but not limited to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, the Laredo Police Department, the Offices of the Constable, Precincts 1-4, and the Investigators of the Webb County Attorney’s Office. As always, we stand ready to serve and look forward to our continuing operations under this grant-funded initiative to strengthen border security in Texas,” said Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar.

Since 2008, Webb County has received $53,909,893 in Operation Stonegarden funding. This funding has allowed the county to cover extraordinary expenses incurred to reinforce border security.

For more information on the Operation Stonegarden Grant Program, click here. To view a copy of Dr. Cuellar’s remarks delivered at today’s announcement, click here.

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