New Mexico receives $10.4 million for border security, emergency preparedness

U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-NM) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) announced $10.4 million in grants on Monday to support border security and emergency preparedness in New Mexico.

The grants were awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s 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.”

Heinrich said that the funds would not only go toward security measures, but would also be utilized for natural disaster preparedness.

The state of New Mexico will receive $3.7 million through the State Homeland Security Grant Program to support the implementation of state homeland security strategies to address identified planning, organization, training and exercise needs. Additionally, New Mexico will receive $3.9 million through the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program to support state, local and tribal governments in hazard preparedness.

The counties of Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna and Otero will receive a total of $2.7 million through the Operation Stonegarden program, an initiative that provides funding to coordinate local law enforcement agencies.