by | Published
In a press release on December 19, 2023, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), announced a total of $3,498,739 in federal funding dedicated to bolstering border security and preventing school violence in Starr County, Texas.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Operation Stonegarden Program contributed $3,000,000 to the Starr County Sheriff’s Office. These funds will be utilized to cover overtime wages and acquire essential equipment, including cutting-edge communications technology to enhance emergency response times. Notably, since 2008, Starr County has received a cumulative sum of $27,966,193 through Operation Stonegarden to address extraordinary expenses incurred in fortifying border security.
The breakdown of Operation Stonegarden funding for Starr County is as follows:
Additionally, the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) School Violence Prevention Program granted $498,739 to the Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District (RGCGISD). This funding will be used to implement safety fences and control systems at RGCGISD, promoting a secure environment for the district’s 10,000 students and 2,000 staff members.
In statements, Dr. Cuellar emphasized the importance of these federal funds in supporting local law enforcement efforts and improving school safety measures. He expressed gratitude to the Starr County Sheriff, Border Patrol, and other law enforcement agencies for their commitment to securing the southern border.
Starr County Sheriff Rene “Orta” Fuentes acknowledged the collaborative efforts with federal, state, and local partners to enhance community security. He mentioned that the funds would be shared with various law enforcement agencies to provide overtime pay and essential equipment, contributing to joint efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.
RGCGISD Superintendent Adolfo Peña, Jr. expressed gratitude for the School Violence Prevention Program grant, highlighting the positive impact it would have on creating a safer learning environment. He thanked Congressman Cuellar, County Judge Eloy Vera, State Representative Ryan Guillen, and the Rio Grande City Police Department for their crucial support in fostering a secure environment for the school district.
