Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today encouraged law enforcement agencies along New Mexico’s border with Mexico to apply for funding from a new grant program aimed at fighting border-area crime.

Bingaman has been working for years to establish the grant program to support border law enforcement agencies that, because of their proximity to the border, have unique issues and concerns.  The need for such support has grown dramatically in recent months as drug-related violence has spiked in Mexico.

Through Bingaman’s efforts -- and with Udall’s support -- the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains $30 million in grant funding for law enforcement agencies.  Agencies have until April 17 to apply for the funding.

“This funding is needed now more than ever,” Bingaman said.  “Violence is raging in Mexico, and we want to make sure New Mexico law enforcement agencies have all the tools they need to tackle drug-related activities along the border.”

“Drug violence and unrest from Mexico threaten our state, endangering our families,” said Udall. “We must provide them with resources to take on this new level of violence effectively, and these funds will help with exactly that.”  

The goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is to protect and create jobs.