Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano traveled to Laredo, Texas, last week to announce more than $47 million in Operation Stonegarden grants for the Southwest border states.The grants total $60 million and will support 15 states and the Territory of Puerto Rico to strengthen security efforts along U.S. borders and territories. The grants plan to enhance the capabilities of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement in the fiscal year of 2010.
“Over the past year and a half, this administration has pursued a new border security strategy with an unprecedented sense of urgency, making historic investments in personnel, technology and infrastructure while combating transnational criminal organizations that smuggle weapons, cash and people across our shared border with Mexico,†Napolitano said. “Operation Stonegarden is one part of our overall strategy to provide state, local and tribal law enforcement on the frontlines the resources they need to confront the complex and dynamic challenges that exist along our borders.â€
The funds were allocated by assessing threat, vulnerability, length of border and border-specific law enforcement intelligence and “Operation Stonegarden grants can be used to support law enforcement personnel, overtime, and other related costs to increase operational readiness,” according to a statement.
Of the 15 states and territories allocated the funds, nearly 80 percent of it will be given to Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.
