Governor Cuomo Announces Funding For Preparedness and Counterterrorism Efforts

Funding Will Help Communities Statewide Prevent, Respond to, and Recover from Manmade and Natural Disasters and Emergencies 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced nearly $224 million in federal funding to support counterterrorism and emergency preparedness efforts in counties across New York. The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Homeland Security Grant Program, supports regional preparedness efforts, including planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise activities that are critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders. 

“The safety and security of all New Yorkers is our number one priority, and we will continue to ensure those on the front lines have access to the very best training and resources to protect our communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “With this funding we will continue to bolster efforts to keep everyone who lives, works and visits the Empire State safe and secure.”

“This federal funding will ensure communities are prepared and have the resources they need to respond in an emergency situation,” Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. “We want to make sure New Yorkers are safe when emergencies and natural disasters hit home. Public safety and security is a top priority, and we will continue to work to support recovery and training efforts across the state.”

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Roger Parrino, Sr. said, “These grant funds provide essential funding to ensure that our municipalities and first responders have the tools and training they need to safeguard our communities and the resources they need to improve preparedness efforts statewide.”   

State Homeland Security Program – $52.5 million

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services awards this grant funding to every county in the state, along with New York City. The State Homeland Security Program will provide more than $52 million in funding to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic disasters. Federal guidelines require that 25 percent of each county’s total award be directed toward law enforcement terrorism prevention activities.

DHSES has identified a series of priorities for this funding in New York State, including:

• Advancement of regional partnerships
• Maturation of citizen preparedness efforts
• Development of effective cyber security programs and policies
• Enhancement of law enforcement information-sharing capabilities
• Continued coordination of emergency management planning efforts
• Sustainment of effective programs and existing capabilities

 Award amounts are listed below: