$20 million in state funding has been awarded to seven counties and New York City to improve emergency communications and protect New Yorkers. The Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program funding will aid county governments in improving and enhancing local emergency response capabilities by investing in public safety communications in critical areas across the state.
“Public safety is my number one priority, and information is the best tool we have to protect people in emergency situations,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Our emergency communications infrastructure is critical to keeping communities safe, and these investments will enhance our ability to reach New Yorkers before emergencies arise and aid in our efforts to respond to them.”
The $20 million in state funding will be administered by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) under the 2023 Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) Targeted Grant Program. The primary objective of the SICG-Targeted program is to close gaps in the interoperability infrastructure, regional communications deficiencies, improve redundancy and resiliency and implementation of National Interoperability channels. All New York State counties were eligible to apply for SICG-Targeted funding. Recipients can use the funding to conduct various emergency communications projects, such as the installation of new equipment, enhancing communication channels among public safety radio systems and training and exercise support to promote interregional emergency communications and first responder readiness.
The SICG Targeted grant awards announced today are below:
