Rep. Henry Cuellar announced today that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs has awarded the City of Laredo Housing Authority Weed and Seed Program a $200,000 grant to help curb criminal activities in targeted areas.

“This is great news for the City of Laredo and the Housing Authority. This grant will improve security and help keep our citizens safe,” said Congressman Cuellar, who is the Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response.

As part of the Weed and Seed Program, law enforcement officials will focus on reducing gun-related and drug trafficking crime in areas served by the Laredo Housing Authority. Community policing efforts will also be modified in an effort to develop support and cooperation from the area’s residents, while at the same time introducing intervention and treatment goals. This will include programs aimed at reducing drug use and abuse. After-school programs aimed at curtailing the proliferation of gang activity will also be introduced.

“The Laredo Housing Authority wants to thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for his support in helping us receive this $200,000.00 grant,” said Abraham Rodriguez, Director of the Laredo Housing Authority. “We look forward to the continued improvement of Laredo’s quality of life, and we thank Congressman Cuellar for the outstanding job he us doing.”

Community policing embraces two key concepts – community engagement and problem solving. These strategies foster a sense of responsibility within the community for solving crime. These strategies also help develop cooperative relationships between police and the residents.

“Our local law enforcement officers are here to assist the families, but they can not do it alone. They need the residents’ cooperation,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I invite all the residents who receive services from the Laredo Housing Authority to get involved in this program so that together we can make our communities better places to live, and above all, free of crime.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

# # # #