Arizona’s piece of federal funds for border security will be bigger this year, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security announced in Tucson today.
The Operation Stonegarden grant program will award the state’s four border counties $12.7 million of the $60 million being granted nationwide.
Last year, Arizona received $9.85 million.
“This, quite frankly, is where the risk is greatest,” Janet Napolitano said during a conference for Arizona and Sonora police. “I view this as common sense.”
She said the use of the funds will be broadened, but did not give details.
The money will go to local law enforcement agencies to assist the U.S. Border Patrol.
Also on Thursday, five Arizonans were named to a national border task force unveiled Napolitano.
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Among the 20 member group — called the Homeland Security Advisory Council Southwest Border Task Force — are former Douglas mayor Ray Borane, Tohono O’odham Nation chairman Ned Norris, Jr., Yuma County Sheriff Ralph Ogden, president of the Phoenix-based Border Trade Alliance, Maria Luisa O’Connell; and the director of Executive Projects at Arizona Public Service, Victor Flores.
According to a Homeland Security press release the task force will be charged with “examining the Department’s efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border and providing advice and recommendations directly to the Secretary.”
The release said Napolitano has asked the task force to focus on two issues: “ensuring rigorous inspections processes at ports of entry while facilitating commerce; and assessing the practical consequences of border violence and DHS’ response to communities along the Southwest border.”
The group had its first meeting on Wednesday in Albuquerque, N.M.
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