Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced the
availability of $45 million for counties to improve their emergency
communications systems and upgrade technology. This state funding will
enable local governments to make improvements by expanding the ability
for their systems to communicate, exchange valuable data, and streamline
information to enhance collaboration and assist first responders.
"In an emergency, every second counts," Governor Cuomo said.
"These awards will help counties access next-generation technology and
improve their ability to connect, communicate and respond to disasters
and other threats to our communities."
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said,
"Disasters and emergencies often occur over large areas that can
encompass many counties and jurisdictions and our first responders need
to be able to communicate quickly and effectively to keep our
communities safe. This grant funding is vital to improving public safety
communications between multiple agencies, disciplines and jurisdictions
by continuing to implement a regional approach to communications and
ensuring that counties are equipped with the most up to date technology
available."
Each county and New York City can submit
applications to fund projects involving infrastructure, equipment and
technology upgrades. The grant is administered by the state Division of
Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
This funding will be provided through the
State Interoperable Communications Grant. Eligible municipalities can
use this funding for a variety of functions, including expanding radio
coverage by installing new equipment at towers and antenna sites,
implementing Next Generation 911 technologies and standards, setting up
communication channels among public safety radio systems, consolidating
emergency services dispatch centers, supporting the operations of public
safety dispatch centers, and deploying new technology that help
counties link their systems together. Additionally, this funding will
support training and exercises to promote efficient inter-regional
communications, cooperation, and overall first responder readiness.
Over the past five rounds of this grant,
more than $275 million has been awarded to 57 counties and New York
City, while ten regional partnerships or consortiums have been formed.
This represents an increase in participation by over 50 percent since
the grant program was launched in 2010.
Applications must be received via email by December 8, 2016 by 5:00 P.M. Applications can be submitted electronically at Grant.Info@dhses.ny.gov. Updates and frequently asked questions will be posted online at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oiec/
About DHSES
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and its four
offices -- Counter Terrorism, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and
Control, and Interoperable and Emergency Communications -- provide
leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect
against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other
man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies.
For more information, visit their Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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