New York State spreads $9 million in federal homeland security grants across 77 communities

Thanks to funds from the State Homeland Security Program, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced this week that $9 million of federal funds would aid 77 communities in the pursuit of equipment, training, critical infrastructure security and more.

“New York’s homeland security capabilities will be greatly strengthened thanks to this partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and the $9 million in grants announced today,” Hochul said. “My number one commitment is to keep New Yorkers safe, and with these funds in place, New York will be better prepared to respond to any security threat that may come.”

The funding split down seven areas, all managed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. These areas included: bomb squads, hazmat teams, explosive detection canine teams, tactical teams, technical rescue teams, critical infrastructure and cyber security. Some were competitively awarded, but not all.

The largest amount of funding went to the state’s bomb squads, hazardous materials and cybersecurity, each of which received $2 million. The remaining $3 million was split between critical infrastructure ($500,000), canines ($661,788), tactical teams ($1.08 million) and search and rescue teams ($750,000).

“New York’s first responders face a diverse array of challenges every day and it’s critical we ensure they have the resources necessary for addressing them,” Jackie Bray, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner, said. “This funding plays an important role in that effort by helping connect local law enforcement and emergency personnel from across the state with the equipment and training they need to keep our communities safe, no matter the threat.”

Some awards, like those for cybersecurity, were self-explanatory. Others were more nuanced, such as for New York’s 12 FBI-accredited bomb squads, wherein this funding will help equip and train them to locate and prevent potential emergencies linked specifically to improved explosive devices (IEDs). Canine investments will back this by allowing law enforcement to expand aid for active road patrols and visible deterrents at mass gatherings and critical infrastructure. Eleven communities likewise benefited from the critical infrastructure awards, which seek to promote better approaches and understanding of risk management and support for first responder efforts at mass gatherings and government-owned critical infrastructure sites.

Rounding things out, the tactical team grants were allocated specifically to support 15 teams’ efforts to gain New York State accreditation through necessary equipment, planning and training costs. Search and rescue teams in eight communities were issued their funding for enhancing operations involving structural collapses, trenches, confined spaces and rope rescues.