State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) today highlighted that more than $460,000 in federal homeland security funding has been awarded to strengthen emergency response and public safety capabilities across Onondaga and Oswego Counties.

The funding, administered through the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services as part of the federal State Homeland Security Program, will support critical investments in bomb squad readiness, hazardous materials response, infrastructure protection, tactical operations, and explosive detection.

“Keeping our communities safe requires constant investment in the people and tools that protect us,” said Senator Ryan. “These federal resources will help ensure that our local first responders are equipped, trained, and ready to respond to any threat whether it’s a large-scale emergency, a hazardous materials incident, or a major public event. This is about preparedness, coordination, and making sure Central New York remains a safe place to live and work.”

Onondaga County

• $131,900 through the Bomb Squad Initiative
• $143,157 through the Hazardous Materials Targeted Grant Program
• $50,000 through the Critical Infrastructure Grant Program
• $15,000 through the Explosive Detection Canine Team Grant Program
• $75,000 through the Tactical Team Targeted Grant Program

Oswego County

• $47,500 through the Critical Infrastructure Grant Program

These targeted investments will support a range of initiatives, including the training and accreditation of bomb squads and hazardous materials teams, enhanced cybersecurity and infrastructure protection, expanded use of explosive detection canine units, and improved readiness for high-risk emergency and counterterrorism operations.

The State Homeland Security Program provides funding to local governments to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other emergencies, while strengthening coordination among federal, state, and local partners. 

For more information on the statewide announcement, see the Governor’s release from April 1.