Counties across the Finger Lakes region will receive more than $970,000 in federal funding to support emergency preparedness, disaster response and homeland security efforts, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.
The funding is part of nearly $140 million being distributed statewide through programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Eight Finger Lakes counties will receive funding through the State Homeland Security Program and the Emergency Management Performance Grant program. Cayuga and Wayne counties will also receive additional funding through the Operation Stonegarden Grant Program.
According to the state, the funding can be used for planning, training, equipment purchases, emergency response exercises, communications systems and other initiatives designed to improve preparedness for natural disasters, public safety incidents and potential terrorist threats.
Local funding awards include:
- Cayuga County: $231,885
- Ontario County: $147,315
- Schuyler County: $40,064
- Seneca County: $47,719
- Steuben County: $103,909
- Tompkins County: $99,671
- Wayne County: $269,621
- Yates County: $34,177
Wayne County received $145,000 and Cayuga County $120,000 through the Operation Stonegarden Grant Program, which supports coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
“The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and it is vital that our communities are prepared for anything that may come their way,” Hochul said in a statement. “With this funding, we’re making sure our partners at every level of government have the training and resources needed to keep New Yorkers safe.”
State officials said nearly $133 million of the funding will support homeland security and counterterrorism initiatives, while another $6.6 million will help county emergency management agencies improve operational readiness and disaster response capabilities.
The grants are intended to help communities prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from both natural and manmade emergencies, including severe weather events, cybersecurity threats and acts of terrorism.
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services administers the funding in coordination with local governments and emergency response agencies statewide.
