Senators announce more than $1.8 million for homeland security in Montana

Money will go to eight northern border counties

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –  Montana’s U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester today announced that eight Montana counties will receive a combined $1.8 million to improve security along Montana’s northern border.

Eight of Montana's northern border counties will receive money to help pay for fuel, personnel, and equipment. County law enforcement agencies partner with the U.S. Border Patrol to monitor the border for suspicious activities, respond to calls, and participate in training exercises.

• Phillips –  $215,719
• Valley –  $ 215,068
• Blaine –  $ 215,393 
• Hill –  $217,997 
• Glacier – $210,837
• Daniels – $ 69,560 
• Toole –  $215,719 
• Flathead – $229,659 
• Lincoln –  $223,149
• TOTAL: $1,813,101

“The northern border is too often forgotten or just plain excluded from federal funds,” Baucus said. “We cannot allow Montana to become a backdoor to terrorists and criminals. This money will make a real difference in places where it will do the most good for protecting our country while bringing good-paying jobs to northern Montana.”

 “Our borders are only as secure as the weakest point," said Tester, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. “Making sure that the folks who are on the front lines of the border have the resources they need makes sense for our national security because it maximizes local partnerships.”

In 2007, Congress directed the Department of Homeland Security to allow northern border counties to apply for funding through ‘Operation Stonegarden.’  The program was previously only for security on America’s southern border.