Hudson Valley counties will be receiving federal money administered by New York state that is designated to be used to modernize local public safety and emergency communications systems. A total of $45 million is being distributed statewide under the State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant Program (SICG-Formula) and another $10 million is being distributed under the Public Safety Answering Point Grant Program (PSAP). The money is being funneled through the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
“It’s critical first responders have the equipment and infrastructure they need to maintain clear communication during times of crisis and this funding plays a key role in these efforts,” according to Jackie Bray, commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “Through these grants, our local partners will have the resources they need to enhance their emergency communications systems and further promote interoperability with their partners.”
The SICG-Formula focuses on helping agencies acquire communications equipment and provide proper training so that their first responders can talk with first responders from other agencies.
Under awards announced Oct. 25, Dutchess will receive $526,279, Orange County will receive $869,382, Putnam County will receive $422,645, Rockland will receive $758,386, Sullivan will receive $647,453, Ulster will receive $552,845 and Westchester County will receive $646,033.
The PSAP grants provide money to help communities develop Next Generation 911 (NG911) systems. The NG911 systems operate on an internet protocol platform and enable interconnection among wireless networks, the internet and regular telephone networks. When regular 911 systems are upgraded to NG911 they become able to accept and process a range of information from first responders and the public including text, images, video and voice calls.
The PSAP grants announced Oct. 25 include $154,993 for Dutchess County, $151,513 for Orange County, $108,883 for Putnam County, $176,964 for Rockland County, $155,955 for Sullivan County, $151,993 for Ulster County and $156,766 for Westchester County.
