Udall, Heinrich Announce $10.4 Million for Border Security, Emergency Preparedness

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced more than $10.4 million to support border security and emergency preparedness in New Mexico. The grants were awarded through several U.S. Department of Homeland Security preparedness grant programs.

"Living in a border state, New Mexicans are keenly aware of the importance of keeping our border secure, and this funding will help ensure our law enforcement agencies and first responders get the tools and training they need to keep our communities safe," Udall said. "As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'll continue working to ensure the state and our border communities have the resources they need to protect residents, prevent and prepare for emergencies, and improve communication and coordination among state, local and Tribal governments and law enforcement agencies."

"These federal investments will help our law enforcement agencies in New Mexico strengthen border security," Heinrich said. "And this funding will ensure our local tribal, and border communities are prepared for any number of emergencies, including natural disasters. I will continue working with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure New Mexico has the resources to keep our state safe and secure."

The state of New Mexico will receive $3,734,500 through the State Homeland Security Program. The program provides funding to support the implementation of state homeland security strategies to address identified planning, organization, training and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to or recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.

The state will also receive $3,971,203 through the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, which provides funding to assist state, local, and Tribal governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna and Otero counties will receive a total of $2.7 million through the Operation Stonegarden program. The program provides funding to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, Tribal, territorial, state and federal law enforcement agencies to secure the United States' international borders.

A breakdown of Operation Stonegarden funding by county follows:
- Doña Ana County: $708,000
- Grant County: $231,568
- Hidalgo County: $730,432
- Luna County: $850,000
- Otero County: $180,000