DHS distributes $60 million is border security grants

Published 5 June 2009

Thirteen border states will receive $60 million from DHS to strengthen their capabilities to secure U.S. borders and territories

DHS secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday announced FY 2009 Operation Stonegarden grants — totaling $60 million — for thirteen border states and the Territory of Puerto Rico aiming to to strengthen the capabilities of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies jointly to secure U.S. borders and territories. “Operation Stonegarden grants direct critical funding to state, local and tribal law enforcement operations across the country,” said Napolitano. “I am proud to announce that the 2009 funding provides additional flexibility to ensure that our first responders are equipped with the resources they need to confront the complex and dynamic challenges that exist along our borders.”

The 2009 allocations reflect President Obama’s increased emphasis on the Southwest border in response to cartel violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Based on greater risk, heavy cross-border traffic and border-related threat intelligence, nearly 76 percent of Operation Stonegarden funds will go to Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas-up from 59 percent in fiscal year 2008.

Fiscal year 2009 Operation Stonegarden funds will be used for additional law enforcement personnel, overtime, travel and other related costs in order to further increase our presence along the borders. This risk-based allocation of resources complements ongoing DHS efforts-including the Southwest Border Initiative and U.S. Border Patrol deployment at the Northern border. By the end of fiscal year 2010, DHS plans to add nearly 700 additional agents at the U.S.-Canada border.

This year, eligibility for Operation Stonegarden awards was expanded to include 39 applicants — 24 more than fiscal year 2008 — encompassing states with international land and coastal borders.

FY 2009 Operation Stonegarden Grant Program

State

Amount

Arizona

 $  12,774,896

California

 $  11,919,340

Idaho

 $       229,008

Maine

 $    1,524,973

Michigan

 $    2,047,093

Minnesota

 $    1,005,561

Montana

 $    1,813,102

New Mexico

 $    3,981,414

New York

 $    3,558,187

North Dakota

 $    1,138,829

Puerto Rico

 $       529,947

Texas

 $  16,719,377

Vermont

 $       501,079

Washington

 $    2,257,194

Total

 $  60,000,000

Napolitano made the announcement as part of a two-day visit to the Southwest border, during which she joined U.S. attorney general Eric Holder and Office of National Drug Control Policy director Gil Kerlikowske to unveil the 2009 National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy; announced the formation of the Homeland Security Advisory Council Southwest Border Task Force; and met with state and local law enforcement and first responders to discuss issues affecting Southwest border states.

Operation Stonegarden is appropriated by the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009.