Senator Ryan Announces Over $2.5 Million in State Funding to Strengthen Onondaga County 911 and Emergency Communication Systems
January 21, 2026
Investment will expand the interoperable communications across the county
State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) today announced that Onondaga County has been awarded $2,584,800 in state funding to strengthen emergency communications systems that support 911 operations and first responders as a part of the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program.
“Every second counts in an emergency, and this investment will help ensure that when someone in Onondaga County calls 911, our first responders can communicate clearly, reliably and without interruption,” said Senator Ryan. “This funding strengthens the backbone of our emergency response system and gives police officers, firefighters, EMTs and dispatchers the tools they need to keep our community safe, improves response times and ensures first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively.”
The funding, awarded through the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) Targeted Grant Program, will allow Onondaga County to expand National Interoperability Channels across all frequency bands, improving countywide coverage, reliability and coordination among emergency responders during critical incidents. The upgrades will enhance interoperability among local, regional and state public safety agencies allowing responders from different departments and jurisdictions to communicate seamlessly during emergencies, severe weather events, and large-scale incidents.
The grant program is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and is designed to close gaps in emergency communications infrastructure, improve system resiliency, and support the implementation of nationally recognized interoperability standards.
Statewide, more than $38 million was awarded to 17 counties and New York City to support emergency communications projects, including new equipment installation, system upgrades and expanded communications channels.