New York State will provide $10 million in grant funding to strengthen local emergency response operations across the state.
“New York remains steadfast in our commitment to providing our first responders with the tools they need to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “This critical funding will allow counties to make necessary upgrades to their emergency service dispatch operations, creating a safer, more secure Empire State.”
The funding is through the Public Safety Answering Points Operations Grant, which is administered by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Public safety facilities, also called Public Safety Answering Points, receive calls for help and dispatch emergency services, which are handled by the counties. The grant allows for state reimbursement to counties for eligible public safety operating and dispatching expenses. All counties, as well as New York City, are eligible to apply to receive grant funds.
“Emergency response services ensure the safety and well-being of residents across the state,” Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This funding will help municipalities upgrade their 911 response and dispatch operations to increase public safety and enhance overall quality of life. We are committed to making sure communities have the resources and technology they need to improve emergency communications and operate efficiently.”
The funding can be used by the counties to cover operating expenses, upgrades to dispatching technology, and investment in services, such as text messaging, data communication, and geo-location. This year, six counties added text-to-911 services to their emergency response resources. Currently, about half of New York State counties have text-to-911 services.
“These grants play an instrumental role in implementing new technology and resources to aid 911 centers in deploying assistance to New Yorkers as quickly as possible. With this funding in hand, our Office of Interoperable and Emergency Communications continues working one-on-one with counties and local emergency management organizations to ensure plans are developed to improve their overall capabilities, but ensure our local partners are in line with the latest standards,” New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Patrick Murphy said.