Governor Hochul Announces $9 Million in Federal Homeland Security Grants

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $9 million in federal funding awards through the State Homeland Security Program to 77 cities, towns, villages, and counties through seven unique grant programs designed to enhance their public safety preparedness and response capabilities. Specifically, the funding is allocated to New York's bomb squads, hazardous materials teams, explosive detection canine teams, tactical teams, technical rescue, and urban search and rescue teams. These grants will also be used to protect and secure critical infrastructure, mass gathering events and enhance local governments' cyber security capabilities.

"New York's homeland security capabilities will be greatly strengthened thanks to this partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and the $9 million in grants announced today," Governor Hochul said. "My number one commitment is to keep New Yorkers safe, and with these funds in place, New York will be better prepared to respond to any security threat that may come."

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages the targeted grant programs, having previously distributed approximately $81.9 million to these critical programs.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "New York's first responders face a diverse array of challenges every day and it's critical we ensure they have the resources necessary for addressing them. This funding plays an important role in that effort by helping connect local law enforcement and emergency personnel from across the state with the equipment and training they need to keep our communities safe, no matter the threat."

Awardees are as follows:

Bomb Squads

This program helps equip and train the state's 12 local FBI-accredited bomb squads to locate and prevent potential emergencies caused by improvised explosive devices or IEDs. More than $25.6 million in dedicated homeland security funding has been awarded to New York bomb squads over 15 consecutive years. Twelve awards were made through this noncompetitive grant opportunity.

Hazardous Materials Targeted Grant Program

This program serves as a resource for 18 regional HazMat Teams, outside of New York City, to sustain and enhance HazMat capabilities to help New Yorkers respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other emergencies. Regions can use this funding to obtain and maintain essential equipment, implement the HazMat Team Accreditation Program, conduct training and exercises, and develop and update HazMat response plans. Eighteen awards were made through this noncompetitive grant opportunity.

Critical Infrastructure Grant Program

This program promotes a common understanding and approach to risk management as well as providing funding to support local first responder's efforts to mitigate risk and enhance protection capabilities at mass gatherings/special event sites, and government owned critical infrastructure sites. Eleven awards were made through this competitive grant opportunity.

Cyber Security Grant Program: This program provides funding support for eligible counties, cities, towns and villages to enhance their ability to protect, detect, identify, respond to and recover from cyber incidents. Funding may be utilized to mitigate capability gaps that have been identified through a risk assessment methodology via equipment, training, planning and exercise costs. Forty-five awards were made through this competitive grant opportunity.

Explosive Detection Canine Team Grant Program

Funding through this program provides local law enforcement agencies with active road patrols aid to develop and enhance their explosive detection canine capabilities. Explosive Detection Canine Teams provide a mobile response capability for detection and identification of potential explosive device type incidents. In addition to this deterrence presence they provide a visible, proactive police presence in areas of mass gathering, transportation centers and critical infrastructure sites. Twenty-eight awards were made through this competitive grant opportunity.

Tactical Team Targeted Grant Program

This funding supports New York State's tactical teams and provides them with the adequate skills and capabilities to provide a safe and successful response to high-risk incidents including active shooter events and other counterterrorism missions. Funding must be in support of the team's attainment/sustainment of New York State accreditation for tactical teams to include supporting necessary equipment, planning and training costs required to meet the rigorous standards.

Fifteen awards were made through this competitive grant opportunity.

Technical Rescue & Urban Search and Rescue Grant Program

This program focuses on the enhancement of Technical Rescue and USAR teams for local emergency responders who conduct search and rescue operations involving structural collapse, trench, confined space, and rope rescues.

Eight awards were made through this competitive grant opportunity.

Representative Adriano Espaillat said, "As public servants, ensuring the safety and security of residents is our prime directive. That is why I welcome Governor Hochul's announcement allocating this federal funding that I helped secure in Congress to provide homeland security grants throughout the state of New York.The funds will be disbursed to 77 cities, towns, and villages throughout the state to help bolster security efforts that include bomb squads, HAZMAT search and rescue teams, and explosive detection K9 units. We must combat domestic and international threats to upend our daily lives. Today's announcement will help to ensure public safety with vigilance and prudence, not alarm or fear."