More money will be coming to the area to help strengthen security on the northern border.

U. S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said the U. S. Department of Homeland Security will send $1.2 million to Montana as part of Operation Stonegarden, a program that helps pay for coordination of efforts to maintain border security between federal, state, local and tribal agencies.

The $1.2 million will be allocated to Blaine, Daniels, Flathead, Glacier, Hill, Lincoln, Phillips, Sheridan, Toole and Valley counties, as well as the Blackfeet Nation.

Since Operation Stonegarden was expanded to include the northern border in 2008, every Montana county on the northern border has received funds used to coordinate operations with agencies like the U. S. Border Patrol.

In 2010, Hill County used funds from the program to buy two new vehicles to be used in Operation Stonegarden activities, and the funds also have bought other new items such as radio equipment and helped pay for overtime for deputies working with the federal agencies.

“This is an important investment in the strength of counties like ours, and in the strength of our entire country, ” said Hill County Sheriff Don Brostrom. “This funding will go a long way toward improving communication and securing the northern border from terrorism, dangerous drugs and illegal immigration. ”