Governor Cuomo Announces Homeland Security Grants Available To State's Emergency Response Teams
Albany, NY - March 8, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the availability of $8.5 million in funding to support emergency response teams across New York. These Federal FY 2017 State Homeland Security Program funds help support New York's hazardous materials teams, bomb squads, critical infrastructure sites, explosive detection canine teams, tactical teams, and technical rescue and urban search teams.
"Public safety is our top priority and these funds will help ensure our first responders have access to the tools and resources they need to protect their communities," Governor Cuomo said. "These programs provide some of our bravest New Yorkers with the training, support, and equipment they need to keep our state safe and strong."
The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages the targeted grant program, which has distributed approximately $54.8 million to the six different specialty teams since each program's inception. All specialty teams must submit their applications for grant funding to the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services by April 17, 2018.
Roger L. Parrino Sr., Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services said, "This annual program helps fund law enforcement specialty teams, urban search and rescue teams, hazardous materials teams, and critical infrastructure sites to help safeguard New Yorkers. I encourage the state's first responders to apply for funds to help them enhance their operational skills to protect our citizens."
Hazardous Materials Targeted Grant Program: This program will serve 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. Since FY 2008, the Division has allocated approximately $11.6 million through this non-competitive grant program.
Bomb Squad Initiative: Funding through this program is utilized to support the development and sustainment of counter-IED operations in New York State to the local 12 FBI-certified local public safety Bomb Squads. Since FY 2006, the bomb squad initiative has received $17.6 in funding through this non-competitive grant program.
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 special event sites, which will be prioritized for FY 2017, and government owned critical infrastructure sites. Since FY 2010, the Division has allocated approximately $2.4 million to this program.
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 visible, proactive police presence in areas of mass gathering, transportation centers and critical infrastructure sites. In addition to this deterrence presence they provide a mobile response capability for detection and identification of potential explosive device type incidents. Since FY 2009, this competitive grant program has received approximately $3.7 million in funding.
Tactical Team Targeted Grant Program: This funding is dedicated to train local law enforcement agencies 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. Since FY 2013, the Division has allocated approximately $9 million to support tactical teams.
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 provide services involving structural collapse, trench, confined space, and rope rescue which help New Yorkers respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other emergencies. Since FY 2009, this competitive grant program has received approximately $10.5 million in funding to support operations.
Applications will be accepted until April 17, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. through the DHSES electronic grants management system (E-Grants). For the Request for Applications (RFA) please visit the DHSES website at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/grants/targeted.cfm or contact DHSES's Grants Hotline at (866) 837-9133.
Congressman Eliot Engel said, "New York is the safest big city in the world, but the threat to our area remains constant. Any additional resources we can allocate to emergency preparedness are welcome and helpful, so I applaud the Governor for making these additional grants available."
Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey said, "New Yorkers know all too well the threats of terrorism and natural disasters, which is why our emergency responders and law enforcement agencies need the resources and training necessary to protect our communities and themselves in the event of a crisis. These grants will allow our state to be more proactive in preparing for and responding to all types of emergencies, and I strongly encourage emergency response teams to apply."
Congressman José E. Serrano said, "New York's top priority is the safety of its people and this federal funding will enhance the state's emergency preparedness. These Homeland Security grants are essential for the training and equipment of our emergency response teams with the most up to date skills and technology. I urge teams throughout the state to apply for these grants."
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, "As a cultural and financial capital, New York faces unique security challenges and there can be no higher priority than keeping our City's residents safe from harm. Doing so requires cooperation at all levels of government and I'm proud to see these federal resources deployed for important public safety initiatives."
Congressman Joe Crowley said, "These grants will provide the funding necessary to fully equip our state's emergency response teams with the tools they need to protect New York families. Governor Cuomo knows the diverse needs of New York's emergency response teams. These heroes work every day to neutralize potential threats to our state and fortify our security infrastructure."
Congressman Brian Higgins said, "These federal resources play a critical role in equipping first responders and protecting our communities. We encourage local agencies to apply."
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said, "New Yorkers know all too well that we have to stay on our toes when it comes to terrorism and other threats to our communities - I'm glad the Governor is putting these funds to good use so our first responders have the resources they need. Keeping our communities safe is one of my top priorities in Congress, and I'm glad the Governor shares the same commitment back home in New York."
Congressman John Katko said, "As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I'm vitally aware that we must remain ever-vigilant in the face of new and evolving threats. These grants will ensure that emergency response teams receive the proper tools and training to close gaps in security and keep communities throughout New York safe."
Congressman Lee Zeldin said, "Last year, I voted to support $2.7 billion for FEMA grant programs, including the State Homeland Security Program, and we are seeing first-hand the positive effect this funding has for our local emergency services and first responders on the ground. Every level of government has the responsibility to ensure our brave first responders have the resources they need to safely and effectively do their jobs and protect our communities."
Congressman Adriano Espaillat said, "I commend Governor Cuomo on today's announced grant funding to help ensure preparedness and readiness in our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to potential risks and threats throughout New York State. The training and necessary skills required to protect our constituents are constantly evolving. It remains critical that we continue to fund programs that support innovative technology, skills development, and training on the proper use and management of specialized equipment, so that our emergency first response teams will be better equipped and prepared to respond to situations in a timely matter and save lives."
About DHSES
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, @NYSDHSES on Instagram, or visit dhses.ny.gov.