$45 Million in Emergency Communications Grants Awarded Across NY

 

A $45 million grant has been awarded for counties across the state to upgrade critical technology and improve emergency communications systems. This funding will enable local governments to expand their ability to communicate, exchange valuable data, and streamline information through their systems to enhance collaboration and assist first responders.

"In an emergency, every second counts," Governor Cuomo said. "This critical funding will improve the quality and efficiency of emergency response capabilities across New York, while supporting the brave first responders who put their lives on the line every day to protect their neighbors and their community."

The State Interoperable Communications Grant, which is administered by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, has awarded more than $275 million in five rounds to 57 counties and New York City. In addition, 10 regional partnerships or consortiums have been formed as a result of this grant program. This represents an increase in participation of more than 50 percent since the program was launched in 2010.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said, "It is vital to emergency response to continually upgrade and enhance communications systems including 911 technologies. This grant funding allows counties and New York City to continue to make improvements to their emergency communications systems to help protect New Yorkers."

Senator Thomas Croci, Chair of the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs said, "Our residents count on our first responders having seamless communication during an emergency situation. This funding is essential for counties to improve emergency response and quickly respond to calls for help when minutes count."

Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Chair of the Committee on Governmental Operations said, "In an emergency, every second counts. When an emergency or disaster occurs, counties need a system that is faster, more flexible and resilient to keep up with communication technology used by the public daily. I applaud the Governor and my colleagues for passing this measure in the budget last year and look for to its implementation in counties like Erie County."

The fiscal year 2016 State Interoperable Communications grant awards are below:

County	Award Amount
Albany	$1,000,417
Allegany	$911,523
Broome	$674,824
Cattaraugus	$663,916
Cayuga	$838,244
Chautauqua	$657,306
Chemung	$566,034
Chenango	$456,553
Clinton	$584,478
Columbia	$516,279
Cortland	$995,456
Delaware	$447,657
Dutchess	$682,199
Erie	$1,096,094
Essex	$798,157
Franklin	$701,096
Fulton	$437,407
Genesee	$705,023
Greene	$464,037
Hamilton	$471,640
Herkimer	$637,534
Jefferson	$659,672
Lewis	$539,653
Livingston	$598,108
Madison	$821,280
Monroe	$1,459,024
Montgomery	$447,091
Nassau	$856,563
New York City	$5,680,831
Niagara	$673,193
Oneida	$637,360
Onondaga	$1,404,362
Ontario	$716,143
Orange	$757,344
Orleans	$448,993
Oswego	$886,284
Otsego	$797,694
Putnam	$482,829
Rensselaer	$798,760
Rockland	$853,925
Saratoga	$874,563
Schenectady	$610,436
Schoharie	$436,557
Schuyler	$398,500
Seneca	$476,901
St. Lawrence	$759,073
Steuben	$862,857
Suffolk	$1,118,377
Sullivan	$680,727
Tioga	$442,981
Tompkins	$738,565
Ulster	$521,553
Warren	$523,375
Washington	$709,086
Wayne	$514,825
Westchester	$677,239
Wyoming	$474,197
Yates	$355,205

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo