Cortland County’s Department of Emergency Response and Communications will soon get just under $920K in state funding, helping maintain and upgrade its 911 infrastructure.

Tompkins County will also get more than $656k.

The funding is part of an overall $45M package from Governor Cuomo that will be distributed to 57 counties across the state, which aims to continue improving critical emergency communications across the state, as well as coordination between counties, state and federal agencies.

“Emergency communication systems are crucial to ensuring the safety of every New Yorker, and we’re always looking for the latest technology to transmit information fast in a time of crisis,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding will enhance communication networks across the state and ensure that municipalities have the resources needed to improve emergency systems and operate efficiently.”

The Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program is administered by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. It’s already awarded more than $500 million to 57 counties and New York City since 2010.

Each grant is formula-based and funded by cellular surcharge revenue, allowing counties to make vital improvements to systems that first responders use to communicate between one another and different regions of the state, such as land mobile radio systems.

Each county can submit applications to fund projects involving infrastructure, equipment and technology upgrades. 

Those eligible can use the funding for expanding radio coverage by installing new equipment at towers and antenna sites, implementing Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies and standards, setting up communication channels among public safety radio systems, supporting the operations of public safety dispatch centers and deploying new technologies that help counties link their systems together.

 This funding also supports training and exercises to promote efficient, interregional communications, cooperation and overall first responder readiness.

 The fiscal year 2019 Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant awards are below: