Giffords announces $12 million for Tucson PD

The U.S. Department of Justice is sending a little over $12 million to the Tucson Police Department.

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced Thursday the money will pay for the salaries of 50 Tucson police officers.

In a news release distributed by Giffords’ office, Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup said he was “thrilled to death” that Tucson was selected for funding.

He says the cash comes at a critical time for Tucson as it faces budget cuts and possible layoffs of police officers.

Other cities receiving money include Yuma and police departments for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Eloy and Pinetop/Lakeside.