Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced during a press conference at Somerton City Hall that over $25 million in grant awards will be distributed to the cities of Somerton, Yuma, Wellton, and the Cocopah Indian tribe from the state’s Border Security Fund.
Border communities in Yuma County are set to receive a significant boost in funding for their post-Title-42 border security efforts
The aim of this funding is to empower these communities by providing them with the necessary resources and technology to effectively manage border security.
The grant funding has been customized to meet the specific needs of each community, according to Somerton Mayor Gerardo Anaya. He expressed his gratitude for the government’s responsiveness, stating that they consulted their public safety departments to understand their requirements. As a result, the funding has been tailored accordingly.
The Cocopah Tribe, which is situated along the international border, will receive funding to replace their aging police vehicles. Cocopah Public Safety Director Paul De Anda explained that their vehicles have endured considerable wear and tear, particularly as they patrol the 14-mile stretch of the border on the levee, which serves as the primary crossing point for undocumented individuals.
Governor Hobbs has prioritized establishing a collaborative relationship with local communities to address border security concerns
Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls commended her dedication and involvement, highlighting her visit to Yuma County as a demonstration of her commitment. During her trip, Governor Hobbs toured the Yuma Sector Border Patrol Station and met with various officials, including Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle, San Luis Mayor Nieves Riedel, and Arizona Representative Mariana Sandoval. The governor emphasized that the allocated funds would be utilized to upgrade communication systems, expand vehicle fleets, and recruit additional personnel.
Local law enforcement leaders, including Somerton Police Chief Araceli Juarez, Yuma Police Chief Thomas Garrity, and Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot, expressed their gratitude to Governor Hobbs for the funding. Mayor Anaya highlighted the historical significance of the governor’s visit, stating that the last time an Arizona governor visited Somerton was in 1919. Governor Hobbs also took the opportunity to visit Campesinos Sin Fronteras, an organization supporting farmworkers and low-income families, and toured the Regional Center for Border Health’s migrant transfer center in Somerton.
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