WASHINGTON, D.C. - Funding for northern border law enforcement is included in the fiscal year 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
     Evan Miller, an aide to Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said the bill includes $3 million to support local governments in their prosecution of border-related crimes.
     The consolidated act came out of conference between the House and Senate last week and is expected to pass both houses, Miller said.
     "These funds will support northern border communities that are being crushed by the costs of policing and prosecuting border-related crimes," Murray said.
     "Border crimes are federal crimes, and I am committed to relieving the burden on northern border local law enforcement offices," she said. "Our border communities face serious challenges from fugitives and drug trafficking, and they deserve the resources they need to keep our borders safe."
     Southern border communities have had access to similar grants for years.