Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of $7.4 million in federal funding to reinforce local emergency management agencies across New York State, aimed at enhancing operational readiness and planning for disaster response.
This funding, derived from the annual Emergency Management Performance Grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is managed by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). It is structured to fortify local strategies in disaster preparation, covering a range from implementing training and exercises to augmenting emergency response resources at the county level.
The counties are required to construct projects or initiatives that bolster their response and readiness capabilities to confront various potential hazards. These projects might address areas identified by FEMA for national improvement, including evacuation planning, resilient communications, logistics, disaster financial management, and catastrophic disaster housing. The funds may be deployed in management and administration activities, staffing, equipment acquisition, planning, construction and renovation of Emergency Operations Centers, and sustaining GIS and interoperable communications systems.
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner, Jackie Bray, emphasized the significance of the funding in enhancing response and recovery capabilities at the local level and stated that New York State constantly collaborates with local emergency management partners to ensure preparedness for any form of emergency.
Here’s how local payouts broke down:
- Cayuga County: $31,842
- Ontario County: $44,589
- Schuyler County: $11,301
- Seneca County: $16,904
- Steuben County: $37,944
- Tompkins County: $42,224
- Wayne County: $37,134
- Yates County: $13,721
The DHSES will liaise directly with each jurisdiction’s emergency management office to expedite the availability of these funds.
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