Area counties awarded emergency communications grants: O’Mara and Palmesano say funding supports local first responders

Elmira, N.Y., October 11—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) said today that regional counties are among counties statewide that have been selected to share $45 million in state funding to help enhance and support local emergency communications systems.

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “These timely and important public safety and emergency response grants should make a great difference to local emergency response teams.  Emergency preparedness, response and recovery are fundamental government responsibilities.”

Counties throughout New York State utilize the funding to undertake infrastructure, equipment and technology upgrades.  The assistance is part of the latest round of funding through the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program, a competitive grant program supporting regional communications partnerships throughout New York. 

The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services administers the program.  To date, the state has awarded more than $450 million for interoperable radio communications and emergency services dispatching services. 

O’Mara and Palmesano said that regional counties they represent as part of New York’s 58th Senate District and 132nd Assembly District are receiving the following awards through the Interoperable Communications Grant program:

> Chemung County, $541,201;
> Schuyler  County, $382,595;
> Seneca County, $411,692;
> Steuben County, $776,687;
> Tompkins County, $680,422; and
> Yates County, $351,776.