County accepts $1 million state grant for emergency communications system

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 September 2022 at 1:51 pm

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has accepted a state grant for $1,038,805 for the emergency communications system.

The state Department of Homeland Security approved the application for Orleans County Office of Emergency Management for the grant. The money will be used for “enhancing emergency response, improving capabilities, improvements in government structures, operating procedures, infrastructure development and addressing SAFECOM guidelines” through Dec. 31, 2024.

The grant was part of $100 million announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Aug. 3 for 57 counties and New York City to enhance emergency communications.

“This funding is critical to strengthening New York’s emergency response capabilities, in situations where every second counts,” Hochul said when she announced the funding. “We are laser focused on making smart investments in public safety across the state and these grants will be a significant boost for local governments working around the clock to keep New Yorkers safe.”

The funding is formula-based and provided through cellular surcharge revenue, Hochul’s office said. The grants are specifically designed to help improve the methods used by first responders to communicate with one another.