Higgins announces $650,000 in Homeland Security funding for Erie & Niagara counties

Grants support northern border security measures

Congressman Brian Higgins, D-NY-26, announced Erie and Niagara counties have each been awarded $325,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Higgins, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus, said, “The border between the United States and Canada represents the longest binational land boundary in the world and presents unique challenges. This funding helps local and federal agencies coordinate protection and response measures.”

The funding is awarded through Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden program, which makes grants available to border communities for increased collaboration, technology, and operational support aimed at strengthening border security.

Awards are competitive and allocated based on a risk-assessment prioritization. In fiscal year 2019, the program provides $90 million nationwide and over $3.25 million to counties across New York.

Higgins’ district borders Southern Ontario and includes three automobile and two rail crossings between the U.S. and Canada.

Approximately 400,000 people and more than $1.6 billion in goods cross the northern border daily through more than 120 ports of entry.