O’Mara alerts counties that new round of funding for emergency communications grants underway: Says funding supports local first responders

Elmira, N.Y., October 28—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) alerted area counties today that the application process for a new round of funding through New York’s “State Interoperable Communications Grant’ program is underway.

O’Mara said that a total of $45 million in state funding will be allocated to help counties enhance local emergency communications systems and employ upgraded technology.

“These continue to be timely and important public safety and emergency response grants that are strengthening emergency response operations and systems across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes, and statewide,” said O’Mara.  “Emergency preparedness, response and recovery are fundamental government responsibilities.”

Now in its sixth year, the state has awarded upwards of $300 million for interoperable radio communications and emergency services dispatching services.  Through the competitive grant program, localities can utilize the grant funding to undertake infrastructure, equipment and technology upgrades.  The grants are administered by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Counties can submit applications to fund projects involving infrastructure, equipment and technology upgrades.   Funding can be utilized for a range of purposes including, among others, the: expansion of radio coverage through the installation of new equipment at towers and antenna sites; Next Generation 911 technologies; establishment of communication channels among public safety radio systems; consolidation of emergency services dispatch centers; and support of training and exercise initiatives to encourage cooperation among inter-regional communications and overall first responder readiness.

The deadline for submitting an application, by e-mail, for this next round of funding is  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 at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oiec/grants/.