Local governments receive emergency preparedness grants

ALBANY – Municipalities throughout the region were recently awarded thousands in federal funding to support emergency preparedness and counter terrorism efforts.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the funding in a new release this past week, which was made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Homeland Security Grant Program.

“Public safety is my top priority — that’s why I fought hard to secure federal funding for New York to help our state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies enhance their preparedness and counterterrorism efforts,” Hochul said in a statement.

More than $246 million was awarded to municipalities across the state, which will be used to bolster preparedness efforts, including planning, organization, equipment and training, according to the release.

The state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages the programs in coordination with local stakeholders.

Nearly $900,000 in funding was awarded locally, including:

$274,829 for Schenectady County.
$247,535 for Saratoga County.
$102,428 for Montgomery County.
$72,553 for Fulton County.
$203,670 for the city of Schenectady.

Albany County, meanwhile, was awarded $635,472 and the city of Albany received $301,361.

“This critical funding supports emergency responders across the state by giving them the resources they need to bolster their response capabilities and keep our communities safe,” Jackie Bray, commissioner of the state’s Division of Homeland Security and emergency Services, said in a statement. “These funds will help strengthen ongoing counterterrorism efforts throughout New York State and help our local partners continue to protect New Yorkers from existing and emerging threats.”