Governor Announces Over $220 Million to Fund Counterterrorism and Emergency Preparedness

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than $220 million in federal grants that will support counterterrorism and emergency preparedness activities in counties across New York State. The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Homeland Security Grant Program, supports regional preparedness efforts, including planning, organization, and training activities that are critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities.

“The safety and security of New Yorkers is the number one priority of this administration, and we will continue to ensure our first responders receive the very best training and equipment, as we focus on statewide preparedness to keep our communities safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “This federal funding is essential to every county across the state, and I thank our local, state and federal officials for helping bring these grants to New York, as we work to protect visitors and residents in the Empire State.”

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Roger L. Parrino, Sr. said, “The last several years have especially demonstrated the importance of preparing for unexpected emergencies, whether it be from flooding, severe snowstorms, and other natural disasters, or from acts of violence and terrorism towards our citizens. This funding will help protect and mitigate against natural and manmade hazards and will support our first responders who are called upon when emergency strikes. Keeping New Yorkers safe is the top priority, and this funding is vital to our state homeland security strategy.”

These homeland security grants support exercises and training for first responders, equipment purchases, and other capabilities essential to keeping New Yorkers safe. Federal guidelines require that 25 percent of each county’s total award be directed toward law enforcement terrorism prevention activities.

Key programs and grant amounts announced include:

The Urban Areas Security Initiative:

The initiative provides over $160 million in funding to critical anti-terrorism programs in the New York City urban area, which includes New York City, the City of Yonkers, Westchester County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County.

Award allocations are below:

The State Homeland Security Program:

DHSES awards SHSP 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.

Award allocations are below:

Emergency Management Performance Grant:

The purpose of the EMPG Program is to provide federal funds to states to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments in preparing for all hazards. These critical funds support salaries for Emergency Management professionals at the state and local level; support training and exercises to develop and test the ability of state and local governments to respond to disasters and other emergencies; and provide essential technology to manage emergency response. DHSES will provide $7.5 million to all counties and New York City via a population based formula. There is a 50 percent match associated with the EMGP.

Award allocations are below:

Congressman Eliot Engel said, “In New York, we can never be too careful when it comes to emergency preparedness. We in Congress have worked hard to procure robust federal funding to support our first-responders and counterterrorism efforts, and I am pleased Governor Cuomo has allocated that funding wisely. New York City, Yonkers, and municipalities throughout Westchester will greatly benefit from these additional funds which will help make us safer.”

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey said, “In New York, we understand the threat of terrorism and natural disasters, and we recognize the urgency of federal investment in our safety. This federal funding will help secure our communities and save lives. As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight to ensure that our state’s federal security funding is robust and reflects the high-risk threats our communities face.”

Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, “As New Yorkers have seen in the aftermath of September 11th and Superstorm Sandy, the effects—whether from manmade emergencies or natural disasters—can last well beyond the immediate days, months, and even years that follow. We have learned from the tragedy of experience that preparedness is about prevention, response, and recovery, which is why this federal funding is so critical. I want to commend Governor Cuomo for his efforts to secure the more than $220 million in federal grants from FEMA for New York State – over $173 million of which will go to New York City. Hopefully, New York will never have to face another tragedy like 9/11 or Superstorm Sandy, but it is critical that we are prepared for any emergency in the future and this funding will go a long way to improving our readiness.”

Congressman Peter King said, “As the top target of international terrorism, New York’s security is essential. These funds will go a long way to bolstering our defense and preparedness.”

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, “New York City faces unique security challenges and keeping our residents safe must be a top priority at all levels of government. I’m pleased to see these federal funds invested in our preparedness and response systems. I will continue working in Washington to ensure sufficient resources are made available to our local first responders.”

Congressman Brian Higgins said, “As we watch horrific natural disasters hit communities across the country we are reminded of the critical importance of first responder training and community preparedness. This allocation, provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will provide close to $2.755 million in federal funding for public safety and emergency response in Erie and Niagara Counties.”

Congressman Paul Tonko said, “With the global climate continuing to worsen and tensions between rival nations reaching new heights around the world, it is especially urgent that we make local investments in emergency preparedness and counterterrorism. Thanks to Governor Cuomo and the many local leaders and officials who are advancing these critical projects that will help keep the people of New York and our nation safe.”

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said, “This funding will help us get ready for disasters – whether natural or man-made, and I want to thank the Governor for taking this stuff seriously. We’ve got these terrible storms hitting Texas and Florida, and after Sandy and Irene we know New York is vulnerable – we can never be too prepared and this investment will be a big help in getting us there.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng said, “Bolstering our counterterrorism and emergency preparedness efforts are critical to keeping New Yorkers safe and this critical funding will help our state prevent and respond to emergencies. I’m pleased to join Governor Cuomo in announcing these federal grants and I thank our first responders and all who work to keep New York safe.”

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said, “These important federal grants will help communities across the North Country better prepare in the event of a disaster or emergency. As Americans across the country have seen recently, it’s important that we are prepared to tackle the challenges posed by natural disasters and even acts of terrorism. I thank FEMA for prioritizing these grants and I will continue to work in Congress on initiatives to help families prepare and recover from disaster.”

Congressman Adriano Espaillat said, “New Yorkers have endured through catastrophes at the hands of men and at the hands of nature, which is why emergency preparedness is crucial. We can save lives and mitigate damage by investing resources into counterterrorism and resiliency efforts. This grant money will help us prepare our infrastructure and our first responders for all emergency situations. I commend Governor Cuomo on today’s announcement to keep New York safe and keep New Yorkers prepared.”

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and its four offices – Counter Terrorism, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Control, and Interoperable and Emergency Communications – provide 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, or visit dhses.ny.gov.