Counties in the Hudson Valley are set to receive $12,194,810 in state funding to upgrade emergency communications systems and support 911 emergency call centers. The money is included in $110 million in new state funding for the Statewide Interoperable Communications (SICG) and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) Operations Grant Programs that was announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

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. The funding includes: $1,986,096 for Orange County; $895.262 for Putnam County; $1,722,494 for Rockland County; $1,250,992 for Dutchess County; $1,109,208 for Sullivan County; $1,258,750 for Ulster County; and $1,549,916 for Westchester County.

The PSAP Operations Grant Program provides funding to support county 911 centers by ensuring personnel are prepared as they respond to calls for service. The money can be used to support current operations as well as develop systems needed to implement Next Generation 911. A total of $20 million now is being awarded. Orange County is receiving $368,834 with $248,182 going to Putnam County. Rockland is receiving $445,156, while Dutchess receives $380,862. Sullivan has been awarded $306,892, and Ulster gets $321,828 while Westchester receives $350,338.

State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “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.”

State Sen. Shelley Mayer whose 37th Senate District includes White Plains, Yonkers, Scarsdale, Eastchester and other communities said, “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.”

According to State Sen. Pete Harckham whose 40th Senate District covers parts of Northern Westchester, Putnam and Rockland, “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.”

Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow who represents the 89th Assembly District that is primarily composed of Mount Vernon and parts of Yonkers said, “Funding to strengthen emergency communication play a critical role in supporting our local responders by modernizing existing communication systems and promoting further connectivity between our communities and their partners. I am pleased that Westchester County is included as this funding is a direct investment in the cities and towns in which we live and serve.”

New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “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 Gov. 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.”