Area counties in line for homeland security grants: O’Mara says funding supports local first responders

Elmira, N.Y., September 17—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) said that each of the counties he represents as part of New York’s 58th Senate District will receive public safety and security funding as part of a new package of more than $220 million in federal grants being distributed statewide to support local emergency response operations.

The “Homeland Security Program” and “Emergency Management Performance” awards were announced today in Albany.  The grants will be administered by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and go to support local emergency preparedness, response, and training initiatives. 

“These timely and important public safety and emergency response grants will make a difference to counties and local first responders across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions,” said O’Mara.  “Emergency preparedness, response, and recovery are fundamental government responsibilities.”

The homeland security grants are targeted to enhance county-level counterterrorism initiatives, and emergency preparedness and response capabilities, including training for first responders and equipment purchases.

The following grant funding (Homeland Security Program and Emergency Management Performance combined) is being awarded to the counties comprising O’Mara’s 58th Senate District: Chemung ($207,939), Schuyler ($66,796), Steuben ($171,724), Tompkins ($157,684), and Yates ($54,401).