Finger Lakes counties are receiving millions of dollars in state grants to upgrade emergency communications systems and support local 911 operations. The funding is part of $110 million announced by Governor Kathy Hochul for county emergency communication networks and public safety answering points statewide.
The state said the money will help local governments strengthen communications networks, maintain equipment, expand training and support 911 centers as they prepare for Next Generation 911 systems.
The larger share comes through the Statewide Interoperable Communications Formula Grant Program, which is distributing $90 million statewide. Awards in the Finger Lakes region include $3.2 million for Monroe County, $1.3 million for Steuben County, $1.2 million for Cayuga County, $1.1 million for Ontario County, $1 million for Tompkins County, $1 million for Livingston County and $1 million for Wayne County.
Other regional awards through that program include $914,684 for Chemung County, $725,734 for Schuyler County, $703,354 for Seneca County and $676,636 for Yates County.
The state is also awarding $20 million through the Public Safety Answering Points Operations Grant Program. Regional awards include $558,696 for Monroe County, $371,832 for Ontario County, $370,826 for Chemung County, $357,242 for Yates County, $357,114 for Cayuga County, $354,596 for Steuben County, $327,486 for Wayne County, $319,758 for Schuyler County, $301,732 for Livingston County, $286,480 for Tompkins County and $281,876 for Seneca County.
Hochul said reliable emergency communications equipment is vital to public safety because every moment counts during an emergency.
The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services said the grants are intended to help local partners modernize, upgrade and maintain communications systems used by first responders.
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