GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES $10.5 MILLION AWARDED THROUGH FEDERAL HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM

FY 2023 and FY 2024 Grants Help New York and Other States Fund Equipment and Training to Enhance Preparedness, Protect Critical Infrastructure and Advance Cybersecurity Capabilities

Funding Awarded to 80 Localities Throughout New York State Through Seven Targeted Grant Programs

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $10.5 million has been awarded through the federal FY 2023 and FY 2024 State Homeland Security Program to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of 80 cities, towns, villages and counties statewide. Bomb squads, hazardous materials teams, explosive detection canine teams, tactical teams and technical rescue and urban search and rescue teams will receive the funding, which will be used to protect and secure critical infrastructure, mass gathering events and enhance local governments’ cybersecurity capabilities.

“My number one priority is public safety and ensuring that local municipalities have the support necessary to protect New Yorkers when threats emerge”, Governor Hochul said. “With these grants, we are directly investing in the teams who defend New York’s critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats and respond when emergencies strike – ensuring a secure New York ahead of this summer’s events.”

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) manages the funding available through seven targeted federal grant programs. Including the grants announced today, DHSES has distributed more than $108 million to these critical programs to date.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “To keep New Yorkers safe, it is crucial that those on the first line of defense have the resources they need to do their work efficiently. This funding goes a long way to make sure our teams in various fields are trained and equipped to handle anything they face in the line of duty. We thank Governor Hochul for prioritizing public safety.”

Senator Chuck Schumer said, “This $10.5 million federal investment to enhance homeland security programs will ensure more local governments can improve critical infrastructure to keep our communities safe. It’s more important than ever to ensure our communities have the resources they need to ensure they are prepared to respond to any dangerous situation, from terror threats to toxic fires to cybersecurity. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting these federal dollars to good use, ensuring communities in every corner of New York are prepared for emergencies.”

New York State Conference of Mayors Executive Director Barbara Van Epps said, “Local governments are on the front lines of keeping New Yorkers safe every single day. This critical funding will help ensure our cities and villages have the advanced tools and training necessary to stay ahead of evolving threats. We applaud Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to strengthening the partnership between the State and our local communities to ensure a safer, more resilient New York.”

Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties Stephen J. Acquario said, “These strategic investments are essential for county governments to prevent, detect and respond to evolving threats at mass gatherings, in our digital systems, and across critical infrastructure so we can better protect New Yorkers. On behalf of the recipient counties, we thank Governor Hochul for her consistent leadership and partnership with us so that every community—urban, suburban and rural—has the capacity to safeguard New Yorkers from both physical and cyber threats.”

New York Association of Towns Executive Director Christopher A. Koetzle said, “The New York Association of Towns greatly appreciates the Governor’s efforts to keep our towns and residents safe. As front-line providers of essential services and public safety, local governments are unfortunately frequent targets. We are grateful to the Governor for recognizing these challenges and providing funding that will help communities across the state stay safe and protect all New Yorkers.”

Details of funding provided to localities from each of the grant programs follows:

Bomb Squad Initiative: This program helps equip and train the state’s 12 local FBI-accredited bomb squads to locate and prevent potential emergencies caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). More than $32.3 million in dedicated homeland security funding has been awarded to New York bomb squads for the past 19 years.

Grantees: 12 subrecipients were awarded funds from both FY2023 and FY2024 cycles through this noncompetitive grant opportunity:

Subrecipient		2023 Funding Amount		2024 Funding Amount
Chautauqua County		$77,500		$44,014
Endicott, Village of		$95,000		$36,500
Erie County		$155,000		$44,014
Monroe County		$116,250		$44,014
Nassau County		$227,272		$81,818
New York City Police Department		$454,548		$163,636
Onondaga County		$95,000		$36,900
Rochester, City of		$116,250		$44,014
Rockland County		$113,636		$40,910
Suffolk County		$227,272		$81,818
Syracuse, City of		$95,000		$36,600
Westchester County		$227,272		$81,818
Total		$2,000,000		$736,056

Hazardous Materials Targeted Grant Program: This program serves as a resource for 18 regional HazMat Teams, outside of New York City, to sustain and enhance HazMat capabilities to help New Yorkers respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other emergencies. Regions can use this funding to obtain and maintain essential equipment, implement the HazMat Team Accreditation Program, conduct training and exercises, and develop and update HazMat response plans.

Grantees: 18 subrecipients were awarded funds from both FY2023 and FY2024 cycles through this noncompetitive grant opportunity:

Subrecipient		2023 Funding Amount		2024 Funding Amount
Albany County		$171,750		$62,646
Broome County		$107,900		$39,829
Cayuga County		$81,900		$30,260
Chautauqua County		$90,700		$33,204
Columbia County		$44,300		$16,276
Erie County		$189,800