Over $62 million dollars has been awarded by Governor Kathy Hochul to 14 counties, including Cortland, via the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant targeted program to strengthen emergency communications and interoperability infrastructure that is used by first responders.
“When disaster strikes, New York must be ready. This grant funding is critical to modernizing our emergency communication systems to ensure that our brave first responders have the resources and data they need to keep the community and themselves safe during an emergency,” Governor Hochul said. “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority and this program is key to improving public safety throughout Upstate New York.”
The program is administered by the states division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and focuses on enhancing public safety through modernizing infrastructure, addressing communication deficiencies, implementing national interoperability channels, and boosting regional connectivity.
Cortland County was awarded $5 million of the $62 million that was awarded overall.
Director of Emergency Response & Communications Scott Roman stated, “Our department is elated to hear that the County has been awarded this much needed grant funding. This will allow us to significantly enhance and build out our network of connections that are currently in place, increase system redundancy, prevent any future system failure and enable first responders in Cortland County greater communications capabilities throughout the entire Central New York system. Cortland County first responders will have greater abilities to communicate, deploy and receive help from member counties, should the need arise. This is a big win for not only Cortland, but all of upstate New York.”
The funds will go towards the completion of 22 West Court Street network connections and network connections to contiguous counties for $1.5 million, $2.5 million will go towards upgrading the current radio system network, radio microwave upgrades and a redundant radio system prime site, and $1 million towards enhanced connections for the counties radio system infrastructure to the existing CNY radio system core.
“The County is lucky to have Director Roman at the helm and fighting for grants to allow the residents of Cortland County to be better served,” said Chair of the Legislature, Kevin Fitch. “Thank you to Governor Hochul and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for awarding Cortland County with this crucial funding.”
