Governor Cuomo, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and New York Congressional Delegation Announce $60 Million to Fund Counterterrorism and Emergency Preparedness

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kristen Gillibrand and members of the New York Congressional Delegation today announced more than $60 million in federal grants to support counterterrorism and emergency preparedness activities in counties across New York State. The funding, provided by the Department of Homeland Security through its State Homeland Security Program and Emergency Management Performance Grant, will assist counties in strengthening emergency response efforts. New York State receives more SHSP funding from DHS than any other state in the nation.

“New Yorkers know all too well the threats posed by terrorism and the critical value of ensuring first responders have the tools and resources they need to protect our communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “From enhanced training to purchasing equipment, this funding will further bolster counterterrorism efforts and help make this a stronger, safer and more secure New York.”

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John Melville said,“These vital funds help our state’s counties prepare for and respond to a variety of disasters or emergencies that can occur at any time. As we all know, emergencies can develop quickly and these funds will help strengthen our communities to keep all New Yorkers safe and secure.”

The State Homeland Security Program

DHSES awards State Homeland Security Program 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 a minimum of 25 percent of these funds be directed toward law enforcement terrorism prevention activities. This is critical given the current threat environment: in 2015, there were more plots in the homeland than the previous three years combined.

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 local EMPG funding to all counties and New York City via a population based formula. There is a 50 percent match associated with the EMGP.

Senator Charles E. Schumer said, “Keeping our citizens safe in an age of metastasizing terror threats is job #1, which is we fight so hard to preserve these federal funds. I will continue to work with partners like Governor Cuomo to secure these federal resources each year so we can effectively support the vital security programs in communities all across New York State.”

Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said, “As we continue to fight terrorism abroad and at home, we need to make sure local law enforcement has every available resource to keep our communities safe. This critical federal funding will help local law enforcement protect our communities and prevent against terrorism throughout the state. I’ll continue fighting for these federal resources to help New York law enforcement be prepared.”

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said, “New York is home to the best law enforcement and first responders in the country, but New Yorkers remember all too well the devastating effects of terrorists attacks and natural disasters. Working together with Governor Cuomo, federal, state and local officials we can ensure our communities have the training and resources to prevent terrorist plots, prepare for emergency situations, and keep our families safe.”

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.