SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (KGUN) — Governor Katie Hobbs is in Cochise County Wednesday to announce future plans to increasing funding for public safety improvements and economic development in the southern part of the state.
Included in the announcement: $41 million for local law enforcement, and $8 million for broadband expansion in Cochise County.
"Our rural communities have been strained and are frequently expected to perform tasks without being provided the necessary tools," Hobbs said in her address.
Hobbs says her administration has plans to use "previously appropriated money from the border security funds" in the sum of more than $41 million to Cochise County law enforcement, including the area's local law enforcement agencies.
"One of the biggest tools that these officers rely on—and one of the greatest strengths we have—is technology," Hobbs said. "Things like cameras, radar and communication devices allow officers to identify possible criminal activity before it gets here and communicate with other units across the border."
Hobbs says the investment in technology both for law enforcement and the greater rural community is designed to help improve infrastructure overall and grow the economy.
Cochise County officials joining Hobbs for the visit included Sheriff Mark Dannels, Supervisor Ann English and Cochise College President J.D. Rottweiler.
WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE FROM COCHISE COLLEGE IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE.
KGUN 9's Craig Smith will have a report from the governor's visit in our newscast tonight at 5 and 6 p.m.
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