Orleans approved for federal funds to fight terrorism, disasters
Orleans County was approved for about $275,000 to bolster efforts to fight terrorism and respond to natural disasters.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday announced nearly $224 million in federal funding to support counterterrorism and emergency preparedness efforts in counties across New York. The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Homeland Security Grant Program, supports regional preparedness efforts, including planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise activities that are critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders.
“The safety and security of all New Yorkers is our number one priority, and we will continue to ensure those on the front lines have access to the very best training and resources to protect our communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “With this funding we will continue to bolster efforts to keep everyone who lives, works and visits the Empire State safe and secure.”
State Homeland Security Program – $52.5 million
Orleans County will receive $104,970. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services awards this grant funding to every county in the state, along with New York City.
The State Homeland Security Program will provide more than $52 million in funding to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic disasters. Federal guidelines require that 25 percent of each county’s total award be directed toward law enforcement terrorism prevention activities.
DHSES has identified a series of priorities for this funding in New York State, including advancement of regional partnerships, maturation of citizen preparedness efforts, development of effective cyber security programs and policies, enhancement of law enforcement information-sharing capabilities, continued coordination of emergency management planning efforts, and sustainment of effective programs and existing capabilities.
Other GLOW counties received the following: Genesee County, $114,967; Livingston County, $149,956; and Wyoming County, $69,980.
Emergency Management Performance Grant – $7.4 million
Orleans County is approved for $20,925. This grant provides federal funds to states to assist state, local, territorial and tribal governments in preparing for all hazards.
These critical funds support salaries for Emergency Management professionals at the state and local level; support training and exercises to develop and test the ability of state and local governments to respond to disasters and other emergencies; and provide essential technology to manage emergency response.
Other GLOW counties received the following: Genesee, $27,311; Livingston, $29,284; and Wyoming, $20,655.
Operation Stonegarden Grant Program – $2.9 million
Orleans County will receive $150,000. This grant provides critical funding to enhance cooperation and coordination between federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies through the support of joint operations that are conducted along the northern border.
“These grant funds provide essential funding to ensure that our municipalities and first responders have the tools and training they need to safeguard our communities and the resources they need to improve preparedness efforts statewide,” said Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Roger Parrino, Sr.
