NEWYORK: Governor Kathy Hochul announced $110 million in State funding to improve emergency communications systems and enhance public safety call-taking and dispatching capabilities through the combined SFY2025 and SFY2026 Statewide Interoperable Communications (SICG) and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) Operations Grant Programs.
“Every moment counts in an emergency, and making sure our communications equipment is ready when we need it is vital to keeping New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said.
“Public safety is always my top priority, and this funding will go a long way to strengthen our emergency capabilities in every part of the state.”
“Communications is key during emergencies, and our first responders must have the most advanced equipment and technology to ensure a reliable communications system. This funding is vital to support our partners’ efforts to modernize, upgrade and maintain their emergency communications systems, and will make our communities safer by enhancing emergency response across our state,” said Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O’Leary.
Through the SICG-Formula Grant Program, $90 million is being awarded to support local governments’ efforts to bolster communications networks through Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Systems, expand access to communications-focused training and exercises and maintain communications equipment.
“Counties operate the 911 centers and emergency communications networks that New Yorkers depend on in their most urgent moments. This $110 million investment will help counties invest in the tools to answer that call and keep response times low, when every second counts. NYSAC thanks Governor Hochul and our partners in the Legislature for continuing to invest in the local emergency communication systems that keep our first responders connected and our communities safe,” said New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.
“I am pleased that Westchester County will receive more than $1.5 million to strengthen emergency communications for our first responders. Reliable communication systems are essential to ensuring that police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel can work quickly and effectively when responding to calls. I have long been an advocate for our first responders and particularly for EMS – they provide critical care, compassion, and support to all of our communities and are unsung heroes. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for making this investment in local emergency communications systems and also extend a sincere thanks to first responders across the state for their unselfish commitment to our communities,” said State Senator Shelley Mayer.
“In an emergency, good communication can save lives. Our first responders need reliable, modern communication equipment to coordinate and respond quickly. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for investing in emergency communications for the 48th Senate District, helping ensure our first responders have the tools they need to keep people safe,” said State Senator Rachel May.
“When emergencies strike our communities, clear and timely communication can mean the difference between life and death, so our emergency communications systems must be equipped to meet the demands of every crisis. This investment in our first responders is essential to strengthening public safety and protecting the communities they serve. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in the Legislature to help secure this funding, and I thank Governor Hochul for her timely investment in the safety and well-being of New Yorkers,” said State Senator Pete Harckham.
“Responses to emergencies begin in the 9-1-1 call center, where requests for help are first answered. Upgrading these communications systems and improving training for operators will better protect residents across the state, including here on Long Island, which will benefit from a $4.5 million investment in this critical public safety infrastructure. I thank Governor Hochul for working with the Legislature to make this funding available to our first responders,” said State Senator Monica R. Martinez.
