WESLACO - A Rio Grande Valley representative along with several local officials, including South Texas College, are currently in Washington, D.C. to discuss federal funding for local projects.

One of the local projects is a regional training for law enforcement. 

"The college is here with the Rio Grande Valley partnership to talk to Congressman Cuellar and Senator Cornyn about establishing a regional center for public safety in the Valley. We have developed a $70 million master plan," STC president Dr. Shirley Reed said. 

Cuellar said the RGV delegation is representing a united front to have one voice so the entire Valley can benefit.

"The whole purpose to come up here is to see how we can establish two things: partnerships with federal agencies that play a very important role at the border, number one," he said. "And number two, to try to find sources of funding whether it's for ports of entry or for our college. We're here to establish those relationships."

Cuellar said he hopes to build relationships that will help progress in the Valley. 

Cuellar also spoke with CHANNEL 5 NEWS via satellite about Wednesday's shooting in Alexandria, Virginia. He said there's limited information on the incident but expects to learn more.

"We don't know the motive. We don't understand. I'm sure Capitol Police will give us some security precautions after they get the facts together, but my prayers to (Rep.) Steve Scalice and his family," he said.