Higgins: More than $588,000 in Homeland Security funding for Western New York

Congressman Brian Higgins on Friday announced $588,125 in federal funding for Western New York awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s preparedness grant programs.

“Local law enforcement plays a vital role in both neighborhood and national security,” Higgins said. “This funding will support the ongoing work of local agencies to maintain public safety.”

The Operation Stonegarden program provides funding to enhance coordination among various levels of government law enforcement agencies in a joint effort to secure the nation’s borders. Under this program, Erie County will receive $330,000 while Niagara County has been awarded $155,000.

Under the Port Security Grant Program, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office will receive $103,125. Awards are intended to support port security plans, operations, and services.

Higgins supported and Congress approved a total of $1.12 billion in funding for the Homeland Security Grant program in the 2023 budget.