Area counties in line for homeland security grants

Elmira, N.Y., April 9—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) said that each of the counties he represents as part of New York’s 58th Senate District will receive public safety and security funding as part of a new package of $233 million in federal grants being distributed statewide to support local emergency response operations.

The federal “Homeland Security Grant Program” awards were announced yesterday in Albany.  The grants will be administered by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and go to support local emergency preparedness, response and training initiatives.  

“These timely and important public safety and emergency response grants will make a difference to counties and local first responders across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions,” said O’Mara.  “Emergency preparedness, response and recovery are fundamental government responsibilities.”

The homeland security grants are targeted to enhance county-level counterterrorism initiatives, and emergency preparedness and response capabilities, including training for first responders and equipment purchases. 

The following grants are being awarded to the counties comprising O’Mara’s 58th Senate District: Chemung ($170,000), Schuyler ($55,000), Steuben ($130,000), Tompkins ($115,000), and Yates ($40,000).