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Texas Comptroller Huffines Approves More Than $12.4 Million in Public Safety Grants for Rural Communities

(AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Don Huffines today announced the approval of $12.4 million in public safety grants scheduled for distribution to 58 rural counties and local offices across three major programs supporting emergency response, law enforcement, and immigration enforcement activities.

“These grants strengthen the ability of rural communities to provide essential public safety services that protect Texans statewide,” Huffines said. “I’m proud to help channel vital resources into rural jurisdictions across Texas, enabling local agencies to maintain and strengthen critical emergency and law enforcement services.”

Of the $12.4 million in grants approved, about $10.8 million is to be allocated to 47 local entities for the Rural Law Enforcement Salary Assistance Grant Program, which the Texas Legislature created in 2023 to supplement salary assistance to the sheriff’s departments, constable’s offices, and district and county attorney’s offices in rural areas of the state. In 2024 and 2025, this agency awarded $254.4 million to more than 1,000 Rural Law Enforcement Salary Assistance grant recipients.

Huffines also awarded $1.59 million to local governments for the Rural Ambulance Service Grant and Sheriff Immigration Law Enforcement Grant programs, both created by the Texas Legislature in 2025.

The Rural Ambulance Service Grant program supports adequate ground ambulance services in rural areas, including the purchase of ambulances, accessories, and needed modifications. To date, this agency has awarded $63.9 million to 150 Rural Ambulance Service Grant program recipients.

The Sheriff Immigration Law Enforcement Grant Program supports sheriffs who participate in recognized immigration law enforcement agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Funds help cover costs associated with these agreements that are not reimbursed by the federal government. As of Aug. 25, this agency had awarded $5.84 million to 70 Sheriff Immigration Law Enforcement Grant program recipients.

For more information about public safety grants administered by the Texas Comptroller’s office, go to the Comptroller’s website.

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts serves as the chief financial officer — treasurer, check writer, tax collector, procurement officer and revenue estimator — for the world's eighth-largest economy. The agency also administers statewide initiatives, including the Texas Broadband Development Office, State Energy Conservation Office, Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council, Texas college savings plans and more.

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