St. Lawrence County is set to receive $280,000 to ease cooperation between law enforcement officials and agencies who jointly work to secure the United States border.

The allocation is through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden Program (OPSG) to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States’ borders along points of entry along international borders.

Also announced today was $131,625 in funding through the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) to the Port of Ogdensburg for port authorities, facility operators, and state and local government agencies to provide port security services for improvements to transportation infrastructure.

New York’s U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the funding today in a joint press release.

“Although it is sometimes overlooked, New York, and Central and Northern New York especially, has a long international border, and highly-trafficked international ports of call,” said Senator Schumer. “I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has recognized the importance of this investment and has increased New York’s funding share.”

“We must always remain vigilant and make the right investments to keep our ports and borders secure,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These federal funds will support our law enforcement, giving them more of the tools and resources to protect these incredibly important economic hubs, and keep our families safe.”