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

Elmira, N.Y., December 6—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) said today that regional counties are among counties statewide that will share $45 million in state funding to help enhance and support local emergency communications systems.

In a joint statement, O’Mara, Friend 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 $500 million for interoperable radio communications and emergency services dispatching services. 

O’Mara, Friend and Palmesano said that regional counties they represent as part of New York’s 58th Senate District, and 124th and 132nd Assembly Districts are receiving the following awards through the Interoperable Communications Grant program:

> Chemung County, $515,695;

> Schuyler  County, $422,876;

> Seneca County, $410,827;

> Steuben County, $796,257;

> Tioga County, $385,432;

> Tompkins County, $656,292; and

> Yates County, $328,425.