WASHINGTON, June 4 (UPI) -- Thirteen border states and Puerto Rico will share $60 million for multi-jurisdictional security enforcement, the U.S. Homeland Security Department said.
The Operation Stonegarden grants "direct critical funding to state, local and tribal law enforcement operations across the country," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Secretary Napolitano said Thursday in a news release.
She said the 2009 funding will provide more 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."
Based on greater risk, heavy cross-border traffic and border-related threat intelligence, nearly 76 percent of the funds will go to Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas, the department said.
The 2009 Operation Stonegarden funds will be used for additional law enforcement personnel, overtime, travel and other costs related to enhancing Department of Homeland Security's presence along the borders.
