North Country sees big funding to improve emergency communications

PLATTSBURGH | Northern New York communities will soon see more than $2 million in grant funding to improve emergency communication operations. On Sept. 29, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $45 million in State Interoperable Communications grant awards to help communities across the state improve communication networks for emergency responses. The funding is aimed at enabling local governments to expand their ability to communicate, exchange valuable data and streamline information to enhance collaboration and assist first responders. "One of the keys to successful emergency response is a communications structure that all responders can depend on to relay important information and improve overall response activities," Gov. Hochul said. "This grant will ensure our firefighters, police officers, EMTs and paramedics, and anyone who responds to a disaster will have the tools and training they need to communicate more effectively and efficiently." Of the $45 million, $663,312 will go to Clinton County while Essex County will see $840,621. Warren County will receive $474,832; Hamilton County $566,267 and $746,413 will go to Franklin County. Since 2011, the State Interoperable Communications Grant, administered by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, has awarded $472 million toward the improved communications efforts. The Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant is formula-based and funded by cellular surcharge revenue, allowing counties to make vital improvements in the way first responders can communicate between each other and different regions of the state using land mobile radio systems. State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Patrick A. Murphy said, "Our emergency responders depend on robust and secure communications systems connecting them to vital information and services. Information sharing between responders allows New Yorkers to get the help they need when it matters most. Our staff remain committed to ensuring effective emergency communications capabilities across the State, and working with our partners to build a stronger, more resilient, and dependable emergency communications infrastructure."

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North Country sees big funding to improve emergency communications

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