FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 4, 2008

Contact: Annie Boehnke Washington Press Secretary (202) 225-1640

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR ANNOUNCES $2.48 MILLION TO ENHANCE BORDER SECURITY IN HIDALGO COUNTY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar announced recently that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded the McAllen Sector of Hidalgo County $2.48 million under Operation Stonegarden, an initiative to fund the enhancement of localized law enforcement border security operations.

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) focuses on enhancing law enforcement preparedness and operational readiness along the land borders of the United States.  OPSG provides funding to designated localities to enhance cooperation and coordination among federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies to secure the United States’ land borders.

Hidalgo County will work with local law enforcement to distribute the funds for overtime, fringe benefits, vehicle maintenance and new equipment. Operation Stonegarden has made available more than $60 million to local law enforcement agencies along the southwestern border.

“As both a Congressman representing a border district and a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I am proud to see Operation Stonegarden dollars delivered to our border communities,” Congressman Cuellar said. “These funds will support the closer coordination of state and federal enforcement and will help Hidalgo County target additional resources so that our international borders remain secure.”

“I thank Judge J.D. Salinas, the Commissioners Court, Sheriff Lupe Treviño, and all the police chiefs for working in partnership with the federal government in protecting our borders,” added Congressman Cuellar. “This money will truly be beneficial to continue the mission of protecting and serving our residents.”

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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 and economic development are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.