Congress approves $50 million for security for RNC convention in Tampa

TAMPA - As of last week, Tampa city officials were getting a little nervous because the Federal government had not approved the millions of dollars they need to host the Republican National Convention in August.

This week, most of the money was approved.  The City of Tampa asked for $55 million from the federal budget to cover the cost of keeping the peace.  On Thursday, Congress  approved $50 million.  

On Friday,  Mayor Bob Buckhorn issued a statement saying,

"I am confident that the $50 million allocation will allow us to host a convention that not only showcases Tampa, but is safe and enjoyable for everyone."

More than half of the $50 million appropriated by Congress will pay for police overtime and for  the cost of bringing in  up to 4,000 law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions in the region.

"We have to house them, feed them and train them . So about $30 million will go to making sure we have enough boots on the ground to keep the event safe," said Tampa Police spokesperson, Laura McElroy.

McElroy says the remaining $20 million will pay for communication technology and a system of surveillance cameras.  TPD believes they are prepared for anything, though there's no way to predict what that anything might be.

"That's what happens every single day when they're out on the street so it'll be no different when the RNC is here."