Arizona budget includes over $500M for the border

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Legislature recently passed an $18-billion dollar state budget for fiscal year 2023, with over 500 million going into the Border Security Fund.

The new budget is putting 335 million dollars toward border wall construction and maintenance, border security and technology, and associated administrative costs.

Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines breaks some of it down for us.

“That includes additional barricades like the one standing behind me that’s already started to be constructed here and then some additional technology, personnel and tools for personnel because we’re battling the cartels on multiple fronts,” said Lines.

Supervisor Lines says the state is having to step up to the plate after the high number of migrants crossing into our area.

Last month alone there were over 33 thousand migrants apprehended in the Yuma Sector according to U.S Customs and Border Protection.

Lines says the Yuma Sector Border runs for 118 miles and these funds should help provide a safer border community for Yuma residents.

“It always has been safe and secure, but we have people often times that will start walking through town. Many of them are not aware of where the border patrol station is and that’s where they are seeking to go so they are wandering around town," said Lines

Another $53-million dollars will go toward deputy compensation.

“The unfortunate reality that we’ve seen throughout the state is the disparity among deputies and our detention officers salary when compared to other local state and federal agencies," said Tania Pavlak, YCSO public affairs specialist.

YCSO says these new funds will provide recruitment and retention bonuses for every deputy and detention officer in the state for sergeants and lower ranks.
 
The border security fund will receive the 544 million dollar deposit on July 1 when the new fiscal year begins.