Erie County Legislators John Mills, Lynne Dixon and Kevin Hardwick, whose districts border waterfronts, along with Legislator Ted Morton, whose district includes the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, announce that the Legislature has taken the necessary steps to receive a State of New York Office of Homeland Security grant totaling $75,169 to increase security of the international border along the Niagara River and Lake Erie. The grant will be utilized by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, which patrols seven days a week/24 hours a day during boating season.

“Erie County Sheriff’s Office faces a lot of challenges due to the county’s unique location. The large waterfront and international border pose additional responsibilities and this grant will support the Sheriff’s efforts to patrol the area and respond to threats,” said Legislator Mills.

“This grant is for ‘Operation Stonegarden,’ which focuses on supporting the U.S. Border Patrol’s mission of apprehending terrorists and weapons as they attempt to enter the country illegally. This is a huge responsibility for our local law enforcement agencies and the Sheriff’s role is critical. The Legislature supports the Sheriff’s Office’s efforts to obtain grant funding to allow its deputies to battle this concern,” said Legislator Dixon.

“This Homeland Security grant is extremely helpful in enhancing security of the international border along the Niagara River and Lake Erie. Erie County has 90 miles of shoreline to protect and this grant funding helps the Sheriff’s Office meet the demands posed with guarding an international border. The Legislature is pleased approve this request and thanks the Sheriff’s Office for its efforts,” said Legislator Hardwick.

Erie County coordinates with police departments from the cities of Buffalo and Tonawanda, and towns of Cheektowaga, Evans, Hamburg and Tonawanda to conduct joint law enforcement patrols to prevent terrorists from crossing the border.

“In addition to supporting protection of our waterfront, the grant funding will be utilized for security efforts at the airport, which is a huge undertaking for all our local law enforcement agencies. The Sheriff’s Office and Town of Cheektowaga join forces in protecting our community from terrorist threats and coordinate well to efficiently accomplish this task,” said Legislator Morton.

For additional information, please contact the Legislature at 858-7500 or visit www.erie.gov/legislature.