Counties get communication system grants

ALBANY--State Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) announced Thursday, Oct. 11 that Yates, Schuyler and Steuben County will receive grant money for emergency responders communication. Additional counties throughout the state have also been selected to share $45 million in state funding to help enhance and support local emergency communications systems.
Yates County will receive $351,776, Schuyler $382,595 and Steuben County will receive $776,687.
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 use 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 the state.
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.