Thread: Operation Linebacker gets $3.8 million

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/state/15138121.htm

Posted on Thu, Jul. 27, 2006

Operation Linebacker gets $3.8 million


Associated Press

AUSTIN - A Texas border security effort called "Operation Linebacker" is getting three-point-eight (M) million dollars in state funds.

Gov. Rick Perry today released the money -- which was announced in February -- for the Texas Border Sheriffs Coalition.

The funding is part of continuing efforts to curb violence and other crime on the border with Mexico.

Perry's office says nearly ten (M) million dollars has been provided by the state for Operation Linebacker since December.

The money has been used to increase law enforcement manpower and for purchasing equipment -- such as surveillance devices and special heavy-duty vehicles.

Operation Linebacker is part of the comprehensive border strategy known as "Operation Rio Grande."

ON THE NET

http://www.governor.state.tx.us

http://elpasotimes.com/breakingnews/ci_4103982

Coalition gets $3.8 million for Operation Linebacker

Times staff report
El Paso Times

Gov. Rick Perry today awarded $3.8 million to the Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition to provide continuing support for Operation Linebacker, the coalition's effort to increase manpower and equipment to reduce border crime and violence.

Since December 2005, Perry has provided nearly $14 million to support the operation.

“The sheriffs are the front lines of the fight against border crime, and I am pleased the state can support their continued fight against criminals and terrorists who wish to exploit our border,” Perry said in a press release. “It has long been demonstrated that our strategy to increase manpower and patrols decreases the ability of criminal groups to operate in the region. Operation Linebacker is working and making our communities safer.”

The funds announced today will help the sheriffs hire new personnel, pay overtime for existing officers, purchase surveillance equipment or specialized vehicles for use in rugged terrain, and cover some operational costs such as fuel and vehicle maintenance.

“While it is the responsibility of the federal government to enforce our immigration laws, it is the duty of state and local law enforcement to address criminal activity that occurs on Texas soil,” Perry said.

Perry has said he will ask the legislature to authorize $100 million in the next session to sustain border security operations.