Local counties in line for emergency communications grants: O’Mara says funding supports local first responders

Albany, N.Y., February 8—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) said today that regional counties are among counties statewide that have been selected to share $55 million in state funding to help enhance and support local emergency communications systems.

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

Counties throughout New York State are being awarded a total of $45 million 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. 

An additional $10 million is being distributed through the state’s Public Safety Answering Points Operations Grant program to support emergency call centers.

The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services administers the programs.  To date, the state has awarded $275 million for interoperable radio communications and emergency services dispatching services.  Participation in the programs have more than doubled since 2010.

O’Mara said that the counties he represents as part of New York’s 58th Senate District are receiving the following awards through the Interoperable Communications Grant and Public Safety Answering Points Operations Grant programs, respectively:

> Chemung County, $543,685 (Interoperable), and $197,248 (Public Safety);

> Schuyler  County, $381,179, and $193,631;

> Steuben County, $804,996, and $195,340;

> Tompkins County, $704,018, and $148,478; and

>Yates County, $350,954, and $$188,139.